A WOMAN who tragically lost her mum to a brain tumour is taking on a 54-mile cycling challenge to help fund research into the disease.

Ashleigh Acres, 27, will cycle from London to Brighton to raise money for the Brain Tumour Research charity in memory of her mum, Ellie Hindle.

Ellie was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2006 when she had a routine MRI scan following surgery unrelated to her tumour.

She had radiotherapy at the Bristol Royal Infirmary but deteriorated quickly, becoming very weak on her left side and struggling with eating, walking and getting dressed.

She sadly died in 2008 when Ashleigh was just 17-years-old.

Ashleigh, who is originally from Burnham-on-Sea but now lives in Kent, said the disease had a 'devastating' impact on her mum.

"Losing mum when I was so young was extremely difficult," Ashley said.

"Her condition deteriorated almost overnight and it was devastating to see the impact of this dreadful disease.

"I was fortunate to meet my future husband, Joe, not long after my mum passed away and have really appreciated his support over the years.

"I’m pleased he will be cycling beside me on the day. Both Joe and I are complete novices so we are a little apprehensive of sitting on a bike for 54 miles.

"However, no challenge we face compares to the determination my mum showed 10 years ago and of those fighting their own battles.”

A spokesman for Brain Tumour Research said brain tumours can affect anyone at any age and kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer.

The charity said only one per of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to research into fighting disease.

Tim Green, Senior Community Fundraising Manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “We are extremely grateful for Ashleigh and Joe’s support and wish them all the best for the bike ride. Ellie’s story reminds us that less than 20% of those diagnosed with a brain tumour survive beyond five years compared with an average of 50 per cent across all cancers. For too long, brain tumours have been a neglected cancer and we cannot allow this desperate situation to continue.”

Ashleigh and Joe will be taking on The London to Brighton Cycle Ride from Clapham Common in London to Madeira Drive on the Brighton sea front on Sunday, September 16.

For more information or to donate to Ashleigh’s JustGiving page visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/acresgoeslycra