We are fundraising for Brain Tumour Research as they are the only national charity dedicated to funding long-term, sustainable research in the UK. Please help us fund the fight. Together we will find a cure.

Some 30-odd years ago a group of young mums from Chalford unimaginatively called themselves 'Chalford Mums' and became not only the best of friends but also lifelong friends, offering support for all the ups and downs that only that number of years of motherhood can throw at you.

We thought we were invincible, so when Lynne received her diagnosis of a glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain tumour, we were completely stunned and in disbelief. As with any other situation, we rallied around and supported her in every way we could until the end.

Lynne was a strong force of energy and enthusiasm, she brightened up a room bringing laughter, good ideas, and wine along with her. She was taken away some 26 years too soon (she planned to live to 94) and of course, we miss her enormously.

Lynne's greatest passion, second only to her children, was sailing, she was an enthusiastic and integral member of the Chew Valley Sailing Club. It was here she was at her happiest, except of course when she was with us, or so we like to think.

There are now four Chalford Mums left. In her memory, we plan to cycle the 100-mile round trip from Chalford to Chew Valley Sailing Club and back to raise money for Brain Tumour research.

Meet the team.

Julia Woods

Lynne and I met a Chalford Hill Toddler group having both moved into the village at the same time, we immediately hit it off, laughing or crying at almost everything without stopping for the following 30-odd years. Sadly Lynne is not the only person I know to have lost their life to a brain tumour, my friend Dave Baron passed away at age 35, my friend's husband Steve Bowman, age 55 and my 'Chalford Mums' friend Kate's husband Mark, age 55.

This is four people too many, I want to do something to help prevent this deadly disease from affecting others.

Kate Sackett

I enjoy cycling with my trusty Cube though running is my first love. Getting out with the Chalford Mums is a treat. We really miss you Lynne and my husband Mark also died from a brain tumour.

Karen Richardson

Lynne was one of my best friends for so many years and part of our family as the children have grown up. We all did so much together. Her diagnosis was a complete shock and to see someone go through the ravages of having a brain tumour is devastating.

We wanted to do something as friends to remember her and raise money for this charity in the hope that research leads to hope for others who find themselves in this situation in the future. Kate our friend had also sadly already lost her husband Mark to a brain tumour.

I am not a road cyclist like the others, but I am doing this on an electric bike that actually belonged to Lynne originally!

Christine Fox

Lynne was a dear friend, witty and fun to be with. I can picture her sailing, shouting at her Spaniels, reversing her campervan on a steep narrow lane, cooking in her homely kitchen and digging in the garden with her ducks nearby. She shrieked out loud at funny stories, wore posh hats to the races, and loved gold or sparkly shoes. I miss her company and being able to just pop in on her for a chat and a cup of tea. I’m doing the ride to take time to celebrate Lynne’s life, and to remember Mark Sackett, Kate’s husband. I want to raise money for a charity in desperate need of funds for research.

23/05/24

Training has started in earnest, unfortunately, and predictably, we're finding it difficult to coordinate training dates, however, we continue to aim to cycle together on Thursday afternoons. We have been out individually and eventually succeeded in cycling together on Lynne's birthday to complete a 32-mile training ride. Karen has adapted well to the electric bike given to her by Lynne and is seen here in the foreground. We will update you on future rides, at this point we are hoping for good weather and a fair wind for our 100-mile challenge with a 4,861ft climb. Each week we are increasing our distance and strength, driven by our determination to be fit enough to complete this challenge and raise money to help prevent this devastating disease.

16/07/24

With only 2 days to go, we are beginning to appreciate the enormity of the challenge which lies ahead. During our training, we have realised that 50 miles are very tiring so doubling that and adding the fact that the return journey will be uphill, is overwhelming. We are lucky the weather forecast is splendid but this brings with it its problems, we will need to stay hydrated, remember sun protection, and look out for one another becoming too hot.

We have one more day to check our bikes, pump up our tyres, charge our lights, prepare snacks, and maybe fit in another hour of indoor training.

Our ride coincides with National Glioblastoma Week, BBC Radio Gloucestershire will be talking to Karen at 7.30 am on Wednesday 17th July. We hope this will raise awareness of Brain Tumours Research and help us raise funds for this worthy cause.

We are truly grateful for your donations, it is the thought of your support and the funds we are raising for Brain Tumour Research in memory of our dear friend Lynne that keeps us going.