Martin Hart, 22, of Mildenhall, wants to raise £1,000 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer by taking part in the London to Cambridge bike ride on behalf of his mum, who is fighting the disease for the second time.

But his dreams were almost dashed last month when, after two days of severe headaches and sickness, he was admitted to West Suffolk Hospital, in Bury St Edmunds, where doctors discovered he was suffering from viral meningitis.

After six days of tests and treatments, which involved a CT scan and a lumbar puncture, he returned home just in time to celebrate his birthday.

Although still weakened by strong medication, Martin is eager to get back on his bike and make the start line of the event, which takes place on July 26.

He said: "It's been tough, but I'm okay. I entered because I want to be able to help others in my mum's position."

His recovery from the sudden illness is a relief to his parents, especially his mum Julie, 45, who has been undergoing chemotherapy since December for breast cancer.

Julie was first diagnosed with the disease in 1998 and went into remission following a course of radiotherapy.

However, after 10 years, she heard the dreaded news the cancer had returned and underwent a double mastectomy in November before re-starting treatment.

Her course of chemotherapy ended on Tuesday and she hopes to return to work at Herga, in Bury, next month.

"It's the second time round and I feel stronger about it," she said. "The first time I was told I had cancer, I thought 'oh God, I'm going to die'.

"But it didn't get me the first time and it's not going to get me this time."

On her son's biking ambitions, she said: "It's wonderful – he's my hero. He didn't tell me he was doing it.

"He just got on the internet and entered."

His dad Tom, 53, said: "When he was in the hospital all he was worried about was his bike ride. It's been a tough few months for all of us, but this is something to look forward to."

So far, Martin has raised almost £650 towards his target.

To help, visit www.bmycharity.org/martinhart

For more information on Breakthrough Breast Cancer, visit www.breakthrough.org.uk


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