Jules, from Leigh will embark on a 200 mile journey, from London to Amsterdam, to say thank you for the amazing treatment she has received at the cancer specialist unit where she has been treated since she diagnosed with the disease.

“I was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in August 2013, and have been on treatment ever since,” she explained.

“I have been exceptionally well looked after by Southend Hospital and want to raise money for the oncology department to say thanks and show my gratitude.”

Stage 4 cancer is classed as invasive breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other organs of the body, such as the lungs, distant lymph nodes, skin, bones, liver, or brain.

Jules will be accompanied on the city to city ride by a group of friends and fellow fundraisers - Jo Proctor, Sally Sweeney and Alex Allan, who all have had friends or family touched by cancer and who also want to support the oncology unit.

Jules added: “Last year Alex and I cycled from London to Paris to raise money for the charity ‘Breast Cancer Now’ and I promised my consultant that I would do something for the oncology department this year.

“We are not natural cyclists and this will be a big challenge for us, cycling nearly 200 miles in two days.”

Cycling from London to Amsterdam – the bike capital of the world, is hailed as a ‘classic European cycle experience’ but that doesn’t mean it won’t be gruelling at times.

The route starts from London and passes through the picturesque countryside of rural England, before crossing the Channel and continuing across the flat landscape of Dutch Zeeland until Amsterdam, until they finally reach Amsterdam with its network of canals, cobbled streets and historic architecture.

Jules is currently under the care of Dr Hafiz Algurafi, a breast cancer consultant at Southend Hospital. She says his care in particular has inspired her to take part in the challenge, which will take place over May 13/14.

Southend Hospital’s oncology unit offers diagnosis and treatment of various forms of cancer. As well as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, ground breaking treatments, including for bladder and prostate cancers are also offered.

Research shows the earlier breast cancer can be picked up the more chance there is for survival. Currently almost 80 per cent of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer at an early stage go onto survive for 10 years or more.

Screening remains the best way of detecting early signs of breast cancer.

Statistics show that women in Essex are making the most of possible life saving early screening. The proportion of women aged 53-70 attending breast cancer screening in the county is 76.9 per cent - this is above the national average of 75.4 per cent.

Breast screening uses a test called mammography which involves taking x-rays of the breasts. Screening can help to find breast cancers early, when they are too small to see or feel. These tiny breast cancers are usually easier to treat than larger ones.

Overall, the breast screening programme finds cancer in about 8 out of every 1,000 women having screening.

Between them Jules, Sally, Alex and Jo have raised £3,600 for the unit so far and are hoping to raise more.

A fundraising page has been set up at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Jules-Gallagher if you would like to show your support for the event and make a donation.