Pedal power from Sue helps cancer fight

Sue Devine (57) was supported by Kevin Sinfield in her four-hour challenge

A CYCLIST notched up 90km (55 miles) in four hours at a leisure centre bike challenge to raise cash to fight breast cancer.

Sue Devine (57) was joined at Saddleworth Pool and Leisure Centre by staff and customers who took to a static bike next to Sue to match her efforts.

Rugby League star Kevin Sinfield also had a go on the bike, set up in the centre's reception area.

The event took place ahead of Sue's upcoming 300-mile ride from Cambodia to Vietnam, which she aims to complete in nine days.

Sue's efforts raised more than £850 for Prevent Breast Cancer (originally known as Genesis), based at Wythenshawe Hospital, which funds medical research to prevent breast cancer.

Self-employed Sue said: "I signed up for a cycling adventure challenge because I want to help with vital funding for the future.

"This is something I've wanted to do since I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009.

"The centre I am raising money for means a great deal to me - over the years, from when I was in my early thirties, I have attended the Family History Clinic for yearly mammograms and volunteered for various research programmes."

While Sue was waiting for her sister's breast cancer diagnosis she too found a lump which showed she was positive for the BRCA2 faulty gene, which raises the risk of cancer.

Sue said: "It was the cycling and, of course, the support from my family and friends that helped me get through those difficult times.

"It was that feeling I got while out riding in the countryside - the feeling of freedom and being able to feel the fresh air on my face and, of course, enjoy the scenery."

The former cafe manager developed a love of road cycling before her diagnosis and described her bike as her "baby." Prior to diagnosis, she had planned to undertake a long-distance ride from Appleby to Holmfirth, which she completed between surgery.

She now helps at the breast cancer prevention centre as an "expert patient". Fitness team leader at the leisure centre Kathryne Mahon said: "The 90km is the longest stage of the ride she will do when she travels to Cambodia on October 1.

"She said she found the cycle difficult and is worried about the heat. We want to give Susan the recognition she deserves.

"She has been a member for a long time and everyone knows her.

"When she said she was doing the cycle we said we would hold an event to try and raise awareness. Our customers are amazing in these situations and are always willing to pitch in.

"Kevin also turned up and had a go on the static bike beside Sue and he has donated to her cause. Sue was amazing all morning, chatting and smiling. She was so appreciative of everyone's effort."