Hammers chef gets off to a flyer

West Ham United Executive Head Chef Keith Ross set off on his 1,000 mile charity cycle ride to every Premiership ground in the country on Monday to raise money for the Heart Cells Appeal - less than a year after suffering a life threatening heart attack.

Keith is being accompanied on the gruelling 11-day tour by Dr Andrew Deaner, the cardiologist at the London Chest Hospital in Bethnal Green who carried out the emergency procedure which saved his life last July.

Keith said: "The team at the London Chest Hospital saved my life and because I was treated so quickly I don't have any lasting damage and can get back to leading a normal life.

"I wanted to give something back in thanks for my treatment and a friend at work challenged me to cycle to every Premiership ground. I've been training for three months now and have been overwhelmed by the support I've received from West Ham, the London Chest Hospital and all the clubs we're going to visit."

To view an exclusive interview with Keith just moments before he set off from Upton Park on Monday, visit WHUTV now...

To sponsor Keith and Andrew and help the Heart Cells Appeal you can donate securely online by clicking here or send a cheque made payable to Heart Cells Appeal Fund. Post cheques to: Heart of the Game Cycle Ride, Fundraising Office, London Chest Hospital, Bonner Road, London E2 9JX.

Tickets are also still available for the Heart of The Game Ball later this month, when supporters can join Hammers heroes Alan Devonshire, Tony Gale and Phil Parkes in celebrating Keith and Andrew's achievements.

The black-tie event of dinner and entertainment takes places at Upton Park on Friday, March 30, and the £75 tickets can be bought by calling Pat Gray or Antoinette Martin on 0208 983 2345 or emailing [email protected]