A group of university friends has pedalled 150 miles to remember their pal Ria Melvin who sadly passed away aged 25 from a glioblastoma (GBM).
For the third consecutive year, Ria’s mum Carol and sister Kaz have joined the group led by Ria’s bestie Sofie Armitage (pictured below with Carol) on the two-day bike ride from Loughborough University, where Ria gained a first-class honours degree in Sports Management, to Ria’s final resting place in Brentwood, Essex.
Carol said: “It means a lot to Kaz and me that Ria’s friends continue to remember Ria and raise funds to help improve outcomes for brain tumour patients. Like in previous years, the girls all stood around Ria’s grave to update her on their news – two of her friends have got engaged since last year’s cycle.
“We were very grateful to Rich and Paul who provided us with amazing mechanical support for the bikes when necessary – even though neither of them ever knew Ria. Sadly, Paul’s son was diagnosed with a brain tumour seven years ago, which had been in remission until very recently and is now affecting his short-term memory.”
Her diagnosis in December 2018, aged 23, came about after Ria (pictured below) had a severe headache and collapsed after getting out of bed. She underwent brain surgery twice, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy treatment in Germany, but nothing could save her.
During her brain tumour journey, Ria carried out selfless work for the charity, campaigning and raising awareness of brain tumours.
It led to Kaz and Carol setting up a Fundraising Group known as Raising4Ria which has raised more than £122,000 to date through a whole raft of challenges and events.
Kaz said: “It’s lovely to be able to maintain the connection with Ria’s friends – events like this cycle ride give us a way to channel our grief in a positive way.”
If you would like to add your donation to Raising4Ria, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/rias-riders-1718481878951
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