A GROUP of mums from Chalford are undertaking a gruelling cycling challenge in memory of their friend who died from a brain tumour.

The Chalford Mums - made up of Julia Woods, Kate Sackett, Karen Richardson and Christine Fox - are undertaking the 100-mile Chalford Chew Cycling Challenge tomorrow in aid of the Brain Tumour Research charity.

They will leave from just outside Jolly Nice in Frampton Mansell at 7am, riding to Chew Valley Lake Sailing Club in Somerset and back in memory of fellow Chalford Mum Lynne Adams.

Lynne was diagnosed with a glioblastoma, a fast-growing type of brain tumour, in 2021, dying just 21 months later in 2023 aged 68.

The five Chalford Mums met after moving into Chalford at a similar time almost 30 years ago.

Decades of friendship ensued, with the women undertaking everything from birthday celebrations to holidays together.

“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,” the JustGiving page for the cycling challenge noted.

In May 2021, Lynne went to see her GP as she was feeling dizzy and tired, but was told she had the inner ear infection labyrinthitis and was given exercises.

However, she became more unwell and was eventually diagnosed a few months later.

“We initially had hope that she would get through it, but she deteriorated so much so quickly,” Karen said.

“It was awful to watch someone so intelligent and so vibrant become what she did.

“She was so lovely and wacky, would always do everything for everybody and always made us laugh.

“She’d bought a campervan and had so many plans to travel, and she was finally happy in her retirement.

“That made it even more of a blow, because we just thought: ‘Life is so unfair.’

“Her death eventually came as a relief. It was just so heartbreaking seeing her how she was, at least we knew she was suffering no more.

“We all managed to say our goodbyes, for which we were grateful.”

Chew Valley Lake Sailing Club in Chew Stoke was a place Lynne enjoyed being at, and Karen noted that one of her dying wishes was to return there.

“The joy on her face when we took her back was incredible to see,” she said.

“Her friends at the club will be there to greet us at our halfway mark as they want to recognise Lynne too.”

Fellow Chalford Mum Kate will be remembering her husband Mark, who also died from a brain tumour, while Julia has now lost four friends to the disease.

The cycle will also be in memory of Mark Sackett, Dave Baron and Steve Bowman.

“This ride means so much to us all, and we are willing to push ourselves to the absolute limit to raise as much as possible for Brain Tumour Research,” Karen said.

“Lynne would love what we’re doing, but probably think we’re mad for trying to do this!”

Louise Aubrey, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “Thank you so much to Karen, Julia, Kate and Christine for their astounding commitment to the cause.

“The money they are raising will be vital in helping to fund our search to find a cure for this devastating disease, which kills more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer.”

To donate to the Chalford Chew Cycling Challenge, visit justgiving.com/page/chalfordchewcyclingchallenge