A MUM who has undergone radiotherapy treatment in Oxford has spoken of her pride as her son sets off on a bike ride to Paris to raise cash for Brighter Futures.

Kate Maulik, 53, from Highworth, was diagnosed with cancer in September 2016 and underwent 18 weeks of chemotherapy followed by 20 sessions of radiotherapy.

Kate, who works as a senior sister on Falcon Ward at the Great Western Hospital, will see her son Henry and his friend Ed Carey cycle from Finchley in London to Paris over three days.

She said: “Henry has been cycling for the past few years and he always said he wanted to ride from Finchley, where he lives, to Paris. We talked about it and he decided to do it for Brighter Futures.

“I am very proud indeed. Henry found it hard when I was diagnosed and I think it’s amazing that he’s doing something like this for such a good cause.”

Speaking about her experience of having to travel to Oxford for radiotherapy treatment, Kate said: “It was surprisingly tiring, but the people who worked there were absolutely fantastic.

“We were always apprehensive about being able to park the car and it makes a stressful time even more stressful.

“Some patients had to turn up around two hours before their appointment and it makes it really difficult when you have to travel so far.

“If there was a radiotherapy centre closer to home it would be so much better for people. It really brought it home to me how much we need this unit and I hope it will be sooner rather than later.”

The boys have so far raised an impressive £2,200, and Kate is thrilled.

“It’s a brilliant total, they have done so well,” she said.

“Me and my husband Robin will be following them in the car for support with a lot of bottles of water in tow.”

So far £1,539,135 has been raised for Brighter Futures. The team is very grateful for every single donation and wish to thank everyone for their support.

Anyone who would like to donate to the cause can visit the website www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk.

To visit Henry and Ed’s page, log on to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Henry-Maulik.