Ashley (27 -English Teacher at Longsands Academy), Emily (21 - Studying Art and Design at the University of Leeds) and Sophie Hewitt (20- Studying Sociology and English Literature at the University of Brighton) cycled over 1000 miles from John O’Groats to Lands End in 19 days this summer in aid of Brain Tumour Research. The reason for Brain Tumour Research being our chosen charity is due to the fact that brain cancer is something that has, regrettably, had a direct impact on the Hewitt family. 


Our story starts about 32 months ago. Just before Christmas 2013, our mother, who was studying for a Social Work degree at Anglia Ruskin University at the time, was diagnosed with a brain tumour and underwent surgery. The aim of the operation was clear: to remove as much of the growth as humanly possible and to test the sample. Following on from the surgery, we were told that the brain tumour was benign. Unfortunately, the joy of this news was short lived. Indeed, following a scan three months later, the hospital informed us that the tumour had returned and was growing at an alarming rate, especially given the result of the earlier biopsy. 



In late November 2014, our mum, Stephanie Hewitt, went in for more surgery. This time, however, for a biopsy to see what type (grade) the tumour had mutated into, and not for partial or full removal of the tumour. As you can imagine, this was a stressful experience for everyone concerned – not least our beautiful mother. The result of the biopsy was, although not completely unexpected, still deeply saddening and knocked our mum’s confidence greatly. The result meant that she required radiotherapy and would lose much of her hair – something that, to all those who know our mum well, would knock her confidence even further. Needless to say, Christmas 2014 was a very difficult time for the whole family. 



Things started looking up, and although none of us were experts, the radiotherapy appeared to improve our mother’s overall health. This outwardly improvement seemed to have a positive impact on our mother’s confidence and gave us hope that the mother we all know and love was returning to us.

In April 2015 our mother was awaiting her next scan results. And as you can imagine, we were all praying to every God and deity willing and available to listen that the results of the scan would prove us right! Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case and instead we were presented with a prognosis of “weeks to months”, news that for all involved was deeply upsetting.

On Saturday October 3rd 2015, the Hewitts had to announce with extremely heavy hearts, that our beautiful mother sadly passed away from this disease at just 49 years of age. As a family, we could not be more proud of the woman who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that her children’s lives were constantly filled with care, happiness and, most importantly, love.

This isn’t the only type of cancer that has touched upon our family. In 2007, we lost both our Granddad and Nan to lung and stomach cancer respectively. This was difficult to come to terms with such loss in such a short space of time. Whilst our bike ride is focusing on a rather specific charity, which is linking to our current situation, we will also be riding in memory of those we have lost to cancer in the past.

We hope that the money being generated from our charity cycle ride – in memory of our mother – can contribute in any way we can in finding the cure to this horrible disease.

We would also just like to take this opportunity to thank those who have so generously donated already and to Holly Vote and Melanie Hewitt for following us en route.

Please donate as much or as little as you can.

The Hewitts.

https:www.facebook.comTop2BottomUK