A HARDENED fundraiser battled through high wind and heavy rain to complete a cycle ride in honour of her friend diagnosed with incurable cancer.

Claire Bransby, of Brookland Road, Dovercourt, has taken part in a number of runs, rides and swims for charities over the years.

But this time the 49-year-old took part in the Prudential Ride London in aid of research charity Breast

Cancer Now for her cousin’s wife Christine.

Sunday’s 100-mile ride started at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, followed a route through Surrey and ended at The Mall in central London.

Claire said: “It was terrible weather - there we had been in the week getting emails from the organisers about the heat then on the start line we were wet before we set off.

“It was fine though because it wasn’t cold - I put this black bin bag on over my wet clothes - but it was windy. All in all it was quite tough. It was emotional at the end.”

Claire’s friend Christine, from Norfolk, wasn’t at the event but has been helping to fundraise.

She was initially diagnosed

with breast cancer 11 years ago,

and was given the all clear after five years.

But last year she began suffering with breathlessness, and tests

revealed that the cancer had returned and spread to her lungs and her

spine.

Claire said: “Christine is such a strong person and a lovely friend, and it means so much to be able to do this in her honour.

“Breast cancer is such a terrible disease which affects so many people, I feel very lucky to be able to do something to help fund the research to one day put a stop to it.”

So far Claire has raised £900 online for Breast Cancer Now and Christine has raised at least £300.

Claire said: “It was Christine’s son’s wedding on Sunday but her grandson and a friend went round the guests and collected £127 more.

“I’m really pleased with how much we’ve raised.”

To donate to Claire’s fundraising ride visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Claire-Bransby