ALTRINCHAM-based construction specialists, FK Group, is aiming to raise £20,000 for the pioneering charity, Brain Tumour Research.

The team will take part in The Way of the Roses ride, covering 100 miles, from Morecambe to York on September 1 and 2.

The event is inspired by Sarah Gaffney-Lang, who was diagnosed with a grade two diffuse astrocytoma brain tumour 10 months ago. Sarah’s husband, Matt Lang is commercial director at FK Group and will join 42 colleagues for the event.

Laura Keenan, HR Manager at FK Group, said: “We are all motivated by Sarah’s attitude; she is currently in the midst of slightly less fun cycles of her own – the second phase of chemotherapy treatment - and describes her illness as an ‘inconvenience’. We’ve set ourselves a tough challenge cycling 112 miles in two days, albeit with an overnight stop, but are conscious that our pain and discomfort will be nothing compared to what Sarah is going through.”

Sarah, aged 30, and Matt aged 33, live in Castlefield in Manchester, and got married earlier this year.

The diagnosis came after Sarah became unwell during a day out at York Races in August 2016. Surgery aimed at removing 95 per cent of the tumour was unsuccessful and complications left her unable to walk.

Physiotherapy and determination have helped to improve her mobility but further surgery is now impossible as it would leave her permanently paralysed. Sarah began radiotherapy and chemotherapy in February.

She said: “Although the operation has changed my life, I do not regret it. I put my trust in some very skilled people and their view was that surgery was the right option. There is no benefit in being bitter or negative about what happened. More than anything else, my diagnosis means I have gained a real perspective on life – what matters and what really doesn’t. I know how much I am truly loved and have been able to tell others how I really feel.

“I am proud of my strength and proud of everything I have got through so far – surgery, chemo/radio, learning to walk again. All whilst wearing my red lippy which always gives me a boost. I have been just as happy during the last six months as before.”

Carol Robertson, Community Fundraising Manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: “Sadly, Sarah is not alone; 16,000 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour every year. We wish her well with her treatment and are extremely grateful to everyone at FK Group who is taking part in this challenge.

Brain Tumour Research operates a network of Centres of Excellence where scientists are focussed on finding new treatments and eventually a cure for brain tumours. Each day of research costs £2,740. The FK team have already raised over £19,000 from suppliers, clients, family and friends.

To make a donation to Brain Tumour Research via the FK Group’s Way of the Roses challenge event go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/fkbikeride.

Sarah has also been documenting her life with a brain tumour and writing about style and beauty on her blog www.zimmazimmathreecoursewinner.com