A mum of two from Orpington will be cycling around London to raise money in memory of her husband who died in 2015. 

Emma Plowman, of Orpington, is preparing to cycle 50km overnight from June 11 to raise money for the Brain Tumour Research charity.

The 39-year-old will complete the Nightrider London challenge with her friend Alix Duplock.

Emma's husband Paul, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in August 2013 and died of sepsis two years later. 

Emma said: “Paul’s brain tumour was actually shrinking, and he appeared to be making a recovery when he started to suffer with gallstone pain.

“Then that got infected and by the time it was diagnosed, it had spread too far and he had multiple organ failure from sepsis.

“It’s just shocking to think that our daughter, Isabelle, isn’t going to see her dad as she grows up and that he’s going to miss out on all the things he should have been a part of.

“The prospect of all our hopes and dreams changed in a matter of moments.”

Paul suffered from debilitating headaches for months and was treated for migraines and cluster headaches.

The 34-year-old was diagnosed with an inoperable grade 4 glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).

He underwent an emergency operation to relieve a build-up of fluid in his brain and had radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Emma, who works at her partner’s Ben-efit Bike-Fit Studio in Orpington, only took up cycling after Paul’s death and now averages 30-40 miles twice weekly.

Emma explained: “For me, the mileage isn’t the challenge, it’s the fact that I’m usually tucked up in bed asleep at that time.

“The other daunting thing is how busy London will be because I haven’t done many sportives.

“It’s important for me to do this, though, so that other people don’t have to go through what we have and to help make treatments more successful and more readily available in this country.”

Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager for Brain Tumour Research, said: “No one should have to go through what Emma did with Paul.

“Sadly, though, too many families do, with 16,000 people diagnosed with a brain tumour each year in the UK.

“Paul’s story is a stark reminder of the fact that brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer yet, historically, just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease.

“We’re determined to change that and are so grateful to Emma and Alix for taking on this challenge to help us continue funding vital research.

“We wish them the best of luck.”

You can donate to Emma’s JustGiving page by helping to reach her £1,000 target.

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