A woman is gearing up for our Cycle 274 Miles in August challenge to help find a cure for brain tumours inspired by loved ones affected by the disease. 

In order to achieve her impressive mileage, Teresa Smith intends to get on her bike for a long ride each day, in addition to cycling to and from work, and will go cycling with her husband, Jason, at weekends.  

Despite suffering from arthritis in her knees and being told she needs a knee replacement, Teresa is determined to support Brain Tumour Research inspired by her sister, Sue Hughes, who died from a glioblastoma (GBM) in November 2015, just three weeks after she was diagnosed. 

Teresa’s father-in-law, Dave Long, is also now undergoing treatment for the same disease. He was diagnosed with a GBM in January last year. 

Teresa, who describes her sister as being “like a second mum”, said: “I’d already started cycling to work when I saw this challenge and thought I could do a bit more. I’m going to try and do a little bit extra each day and then go out for longer rides with Jason on the weekends. He’s a cyclist who does about eight miles every day.” 

She added: “I suffer with my mental health and these challenges help me feel like I’m doing something good. They also give me a reason to get out the house and stay active.” 

To support Teresa’s fundraising with a donation, visit her JustGiving page here. 

There’s still time to join our Cycle 274 Miles in August challenge – just click here to get started. Or, if cycling’s not your thing, why not sign up for 10,000 Steps a Day in August instead? 

Related reading:

• Pedal out or step up for your next summer challenge
• ‘Bionic eye’ technology to make brain surgery safer 

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