East Lancashire cyclists complete Coast-to-Coast ride to fund mum’s life-saving brain surgery
The group took on the 146-mile challenge to help raise £300,000 for Claire Nutter, who has exhausted all NHS treatment options following a devastating brain tumour diagnosis.
A group of nine East Lancashire men – most of whom had never cycled further than the corner shop – have completed a gruelling coast-to-coast ride from Blackpool to Whitby, raising vital funds for a mum’s life-saving brain surgery.
Claire Nutter, 47, from Roughlee, was unexpectedly diagnosed with a brain tumour in July 2023 after suffering intense headaches and severe dizzy spells. Initially, her symptoms were dismissed as hormone-related, likely linked to menopause.
Since her diagnosis, the mother of two has undergone three life-saving operations, but only half of the tumour could be removed. She has also endured chemotherapy, which proved ineffective. With radiotherapy ruled out due to severe side effects, Claire’s NHS treatment options have now come to an end.
The only treatment available to Claire now is specialist surgery and therapy in Germany, which comes at a cost of more than £300,000.
Over the weekend, the team cycled more than 146 miles, with each rider aiming to raise £146 – one pound for every mile pedalled. Together, their challenge symbolises the bigger journey ahead: raising the rest of the £300,000 needed to fund Claire’s treatment.
Thanks to donations along the way, the ride has already raised around £3,000, with fundraising still ongoing.
The ride was a test of endurance to reach the finish line at Whitby, where Claire was waiting to congratulate them.
Claire’s partner Gary Dunne, who took part in the challenge, said:
“Most of us had never cycled much further than to the corner shop, so you can imagine it was a real challenge for us.
What we endured is nothing compared to what Claire and others are going through, and that was what got us collectively to the end.
It was very emotional riding into the sea at Whitby and seeing Claire at the finish line.
I’m proud and beyond grateful to everyone who took part and has supported us with donations or kind words of encouragement along the way.”
Ms Nutter added:
“Knowing how hard these lads tried and what they put themselves through to help me and to raise awareness, I’ll never be able to thank them enough.
Everything everyone is doing to try and help is giving me the strength to keep fighting.”
The riders taking part were Gary Dunne, Wayne Anderson, Gareth Snowden, John Willan, Jamie Shaw, Toby Campbell, Shaun Dickinson and Craig Anderson. They were supported by Claire’s son, Louie Nutter, who drove the support vehicle.
Donations can be made via Claire’s GoFundMe page.