A group of nine men – most of whom had “never cycled further than the corner shop” – have completed a gruelling coast-to-coast ride from Blackpool to Whitby.

Their endeavours were to raise vital funds and awareness for Burnley beauty therapist Claire Nutter’s life-saving brain surgery.

The 47-year-old mum of two, from Roughlee, was unexpectedly diagnosed with a brain tumour in July 2023 after suffering intense headaches and severe dizzy spells. At first, her symptoms were dismissed as hormone-related, likely linked to menopause. Since her diagnosis, Claire, whose salon was based at Business First in Burnley, has undergone three life-saving operations, but only half of the tumour could be removed.

The team of cyclists who tackled the gruelling coast to coast ride to raise funds for vital cancer treatment for Burnley beauty therapist Claire Nutter

She has also endured chemotherapy, which unfortunately proved ineffective. With radiotherapy ruled out due to the severe side effects, Claire’s NHS 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 staggering cost of around £350,000. She is also exploring private consultations and holistic approaches to give her the best possible chance.

Over last 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 £350,000 needed to fund Claire’s treatment.

Thanks to kind-hearted donations and support along the way, the ride has already raised around £3,000, with fundraising still ongoing. The ride was a true test of endurance, pushing the men through pain, exhaustion and testing conditions before reaching the finish line at Whitby, where Claire was waiting to congratulate them.

Claire’s partner, Gary Dunne, who also 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.”

Claire 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.

So far the campaign has raised a £44,000 through a series of other fund raising events including a red carpet ball a Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge and a cricket tournament.

If you would like to make a donation please click HERE.