Woman gears up for cycling fundraiser for 'legend' Portchester mum, age 91, after cancer diagnosis
“Mum is just so upbeat despite everything, and is such a legend in our family.”
Receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis isn’t always the beginning of the end.
That is the message from a woman who has been inundated with charitable donations ahead of a fundraising cycle ride this weekend, inspired by her “incredible” mother.
Jean Withinshaw, 91 from Portchester, was recently diagnosed with stage four cancer, specifically mesothelioma. It’s an illness that is rare and aggressive, caused by microscopic asbestos fibres. In Jean’s case, it’s thought to have come from washing her late husband, Richard’s, naval uniform.
In spite of her diagnosis, Jean is staying active by frequently playing golf, and is trying to keep a positive attitude. Now her daughter, Lucinda Greig, is readying up for a fundraiser for Mesothelioma UK.
The 58-year-old, who grew up in Portchester but now lives in Dunbar, Scotland, will be doing a static bike ride as part of Sir Chris Hoy’s Tour de 4. The former Olympic cyclist was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer in 2023.
Lucinda said: “My mum is so positive in everything she does, it’s incredible to see, given what she’s been diagnosed with. It goes to show that it’s not all over just because you have been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
“She’s incredible - 91 years old and still on the golf course. She’s still determined to keep going; obviously it’s different for each person diagnosed with cancer, and many find themselves in so much pain, it’s just about what their body is going through.
“Mum is just so upbeat despite everything, and is such a legend in our family.”
Jean married Richard in 1958, moving to Portchester shortly after tying the knot. The pair met in Bahrain, while Richard was on active duty.
When Lucinda set up her fundraising page, she set a goal of £200, and will be riding on a static bike due to her ataxia. But a generous donation drive has seen it far exceed her expectations, with more than £3,400 raised at the time of publication.
She said: “I am so delighted about the support everyone has shown. It’s only been a few weeks - I can’t believe it, and mum is so grateful too.
“I struggle to walk with my disability, but can certainly get on a static bike and pedal away. I’ve been practicing in the gym and am really excited for it.”
Lucinda will complete her three-mile bike ride on Sunday, September 6. To donate, click this link.