A woman who hasn’t ridden a bike for 43 years is back in the saddle to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research inspired by her daughter who is living with the disease.
Only 19 when she last rode a bike, 62-year-old Barbara Hollands is now taking on our ambitious Cycle 274 Miles in August challenge. She is pedalling inspired by her daughter Kylie Weatherby, who last month finished intense radiotherapy for a recurrence of a rare stage 2 pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA).
Despite living with the lung condition chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which means she sometimes struggles with her breathing, Barbara has already clocked up more than 50 miles.
She said: “I’ve had to stop and get off my bike a few times to catch my breath and manage my COPD, which I have developed techniques for over the years.
“The event Facebook group is full of cyclists both long-standing and amateur. It has been a great support, and I am feeling good building my distance steadily each day.”
Kylie (pictured above with Barbara), a mum of three-year-old twins, was first diagnosed with PXA in December 2022 and surgery the same month was deemed a success in full removal of the new growth.
Her latest health concerns come three years after Kylie was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM) in May 2021 following a seizure. Her next scan will take place in September.
“Cycling makes me feel as if I am doing something positive for the brain tumour community and has given me the space to be able to try and process Kylie’s diagnosis. Brain Tumour Research is such an important cause, and I will continue to help fund the fight,” Barbara added.
To help Barbara reach her £500 fundraising target, please donate via her JustGiving page by clicking here.
Related reading:
- Kylie’s story
- Thetford mum rides 274 miles to boost brain tumour research (Eastern Daily Press)
- EastEnders star and patient form special bond
Published Tuesday 13th August 2024.