Coast-to-coast riders boost mum with tumour's fund

The group cycled 146 miles (235km) from Blackpool to Whitby

A group of nine men, most of whom "have never cycled further than the corner shop" have completed a gruelling coast-to-coast ride across England to raise funds for a mother-of-two's specialist brain surgery.

Claire Nutter, 47 and from Roughlee in Lancashire, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2023 and needs to find £300,000 for treatment in Germany.

The East Lancashire cyclists have raised £3,000 towards that target by riding 146 miles (235km) from Blackpool to Whitby, North Yorkshire.

Her partner Gary Dunne, who took part in the challenge, said: "What we endured is nothing compared to what Claire and others are going through, and that was what got us collectively to the end."

Ms Nutter was diagnosed with a brain tumour after suffering intense headaches and severe dizzy spells.

At first, her symptoms were dismissed as hormone-related, likely linked to menopause, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Since her diagnosis, she has undergone three life-saving operations, but only half of the tumour could be removed.

She has also endured chemotherapy, which proved ineffective.

With radiotherapy ruled out due to the severe side effects, Ms Nutter said her NHS options had now come to an end.

'Keep fighting'

Donations are continuing to pour in after the group's ride at the weekend.

Ms Nutter was waiting to congratulate them at the finish line in Whitby.

Her husband said: "It was very emotional riding into the sea at Whitby and seeing Claire at the finish line.

"I'm proud and beyond grateful to everyone who took part and has supported us with donations or kind words of encouragement along the way."

Ms Nutter said: "Knowing how hard these lads tried and what they put themselves through to help me and to raise awareness, I'll never be able to thank them enough.

"Everything everyone is doing to try and help is giving me the strength to keep fighting."

The other riders taking part were Wayne Anderson, Gareth Snowden, John Willan, Jamie Shaw, Toby Campbell, Shaun Dickinson and Craig Anderson.

They were supported by Claire's son, Louie Nutter, who drove the support vehicle.