A WOMAN from Almondsbury diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour is hosting “the friendliest bike ride ever” for a charity that has supported her in her time of need.

Julie Harvey, 49, has organised the event to fundraise for Thornbury-based charity Brain Tumour Support, who she said “life would be so much more difficult” without.

A former activities coordinator and support worker, Julie’s life was turned upside down in November 2016 when she went into hospital complaining of a bad headache, only to undergo surgery to remove a brain tumour two days later.

But despite surgeons’ best efforts, Julie was told that the tumour had reached grade four, for which there is no cure.

Since then, she has undergone months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy to halt the progress of the condition.

But Julie, a massive sports enthusiast and former triathlete, has not let her condition get in the way of her passion, and continues to exercise for pleasure, regularly swimming having power-walked a midnight marathon in Edinburgh and taken part in a two-mile sea swim.

She also plans to complete a solo 45-mile bike ride this coming April in support of St Peter’s Hospice.

“When you have a tumour, your whole life changes and the person you were is no more. You have to give yourself a new identity.

“The help I have received from Brain Tumour Support has really kept me going, showing me that just because I am ill, people can still treat me the same.

“I just want to raise awareness for the charity. Something good has to come out of me having this brain tumour and if I can do something to help others that means so much to me.”

The charity ride, which takes place on Saturday, May 26, will start at Thornbury Sailing Club in Oldbury, with three different routes covering routes 33km, 65km and 85km.

Entry costs £20, £25 and £30 for the respective distances, which will include a medal and free cup of tea and cake at the end.

“This ride is for anyone, whatever their experience with cycling,” said Julie.

“If they have a bike and they want to go. We want it to be the friendliest ever and the welcome will be amazing, I will make sure of that!

“If we could get 100 people to take part, I would be so unbelievably happy.”

Bay Dimond, fundraising co-ordinator at Brain Tumour Support, said: “All of us at Brain Tumour Support are so proud to have Julie represent the charity.

“She has already raised almost £4,500 to help other brain tumour patients and families get the vital support that they need and we really can’t thank her enough for all she’s doing.

“We truly admire her determination to spread awareness and make a difference in spite of all the challenges she faces.”

Brain Tumour Support is dedicated to providing support for patients, families and carers so that no-one feels alone when facing the effects of a brain tumour diagnosis. 

They provide individualised and specialist information, guidance and emotional support, at any point from diagnosis and for as long as it is needed.

To find out more about the charity ride and the routes on offer, visit thornburysc.org.uk.