England netball player Clare Elsley will open this year's Bath to Bristol Charity Walk after becoming an ambassador for those with heart conditions.
Hundreds are expected to take part in the event, a 14.5-mile sponsored walk along the Bath to Bristol railway cycle path in aid of the British Heart Foundation on Sunday September 7.
Miss Elsley, who lives in Staverton near Bath, will open the walk alongside Bath Paralympic double gold medallist Steve Brunt and event organiser Paul Hobbs.
She has been diagnosed with tachycardia and uses medication to control episodes of very fast heat beats of more than 300bpm.
Two years ago she was fitted with a dual pacemaker after collapsing at home and began a long battle to return to competitive sport with the help of Bristol cardiologist Graham Stuart.
Now she has been chosen to represent the England Indoor Netball Squad as captain during the three test series against South Africa in September.
The 35-year-old is an ambassador for Heart Research UK and is keen to support the walk, which raised £9,000 for The British Heart Foundation last year.
She said: "It's quite close to my heart because they have never really got to the bottom of what caused my heart condition.
"I think it's becoming more and more common. From my point of view it was athlete based, but there are a lot of children with congenital heart problems.
"Anything Paul can do to raise the profile of the British Heart Foundation and raise money for research is just amazing and I will definitely support that."
The walk begins at the Brassmill lane access point in Bath at 10am, giving walkers an hour to register before.
Afterwards, walkers are invited to The Cuban Cocktail Bar and Restaurant in Bristol for food and refreshments, when all walkers will be presented with a medal.
Ms Elsley said: "I can't wait, I'm looking forward to meeting the people who are in the same situation as me, or people who just want to support the event.
"I didn't speak about what happened to me for a long time, but you're not on your own, there are other people who are in the same situation.
"Some people might not be able to walk the whole 15 miles, some people might be able be able to do a mile, but any amount is better than nothing."
Registration is £10 for adults and £5 for children, which includes a medal for taking part.
To register beforehand visit bhf.org.uk/heartcitywalk or phone 0121 661 5100.
