A Balham woman is cycling to raise funds towards research into brain tumours – a disease which took the life of her dear friend Phil Blackmore.

For the third year, blogger Amy Jones, 35, will take part in the national On Yer Bike event in aid of Brain Tumour Research.

Mitcham man Phil worked as a financial analyst with Ascential PLC and was diagnosed with a low-grade brain tumour in August 2016, at the age of 31. He died suddenly a few months later on New Year’s Eve.

Amy said: “Phil was a wonderful friend.

"We met on a ski trip three years before he passed away. He had a profound impact on my life and on the lives of so many others who knew him.

"I miss him so much and think about him every single day.”

CLICK HERE FOR AMY'S DONATION PAGE

To raise funds for research, Amy is hosting a charity spinning class on Saturday, February 8 at Digme Fitness in Rathbone Square, Fitzrovia.

Amy, who – alongside her blog – works as a communications manager in the city, said: “After he died, I had to do something to channel my grief into something positive and to bring lots of Phil’s friends and family together for an event that seemed a fitting way to honour his memory.

"Phil loved his fitness, taking part in several triathlons and marathons, and even ‘L'Étape du Tour’, racing over the same route as a Tour de France stage, so this is a great way to remember him.

“Please come along and join in the fun if you can.

"Each spinner will be asked to contribute £20, which will go directly to the charity. In return you will get a goody bag to take home, as well as some well-earned refreshments after the spin.”