CANCER survivor Wendy Nuttall says she's not a sporty person – but that won't stop her cycling 900 miles for charity.
Wendy, 49, will head for Nice, France, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
She is cycling in memory of friend Deanne Zinsaz who died this year of bowel cancer and was cared for in her final weeks by Macmillan.
Wendy, of Ebers Road, Mapperley Park, who had breast cancer in 1998, said: "Because it was quite a time ago now that I had cancer, nearly 15 years, it's a bit of a dream, all in the past and I don't think about it every day any more.
"I think what has brought it home again is losing a friend to it and realising that it's a lottery as to who survives and who doesn't."
At the time of Wendy's illness, daughters Fran and Lizzie were five and three and Wendy herself was only 34.
She said: "I think they were too young to fully appreciate what it was, and it did make it easier for me because I think they kept me going.
"I had to continue being mum to them, looking after them and being there for them and it made it easier because it stopped me being focused on myself the whole time through a difficult part of my life."
Following her recovery, Wendy took part in a Macmillan-run bike ride across Mexico but hasn't done much cycling since then.
"A few weeks ago ,I took very proud ownership of a new touring bike and have named it Winifred.
"I'm not a naturally fit, sporty person. I've lost a couple of stone since April, I was overweight and unfit.
"When you're in your 20s and 30s, it's easy to think you're invincible and it will always happen to other people, but as you get older you think about your own health and your own life."
Wendy's husband, John, 59, will be joining her for two weeks of her journey in northern France.
Wendy, who will set off on August 19, chose to cycle through France partly because of its reputation for cyclist safety.
She will be carrying her tent and supplies on the bike and thinks the trip will take about four weeks.
Rachel Herrick, Notts fundraising manager for Macmillan, said: "We're very grateful that Wendy has chosen to support Macmillan and we wish her the best of luck with her cycle ride.
"The number of people with cancer is growing every day and we want to reach and improve the lives of every one of those people."
Wendy hopes to raise £3,000 and has a JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/Wendy-Nuttall1.
