Alumnae set to cycle from Loughborough to Essex in memory of friend, Ria Melvin

Ria Melvin in her graduation gown, holding her degree certificate.

From 2-3 June 2022, a group of 18 women's football alumnae will be cycling 140 miles from Loughborough University to Herongate, Essex in memory of their friend and former teammate, Ria Melvin.

Alumna Ria passed away last year at the age of 25 after a near 3-year battle with a Glioblastoma Grade 4 brain tumour. 

She obtained a first-class honours degree in Sports Management from Loughborough's School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences and was awarded the Fred Harrison Prize in 2018 for the highest overall programme mark.

Ria was an integral member of the University's women's football team where she met many of the alumnae who will be taking on the challenge in her memory.  

The cycle team includes: Sofie Armitage, Ellie Betteridge, Dannielle Bourne, Sacha Brinkley, Emily Clements, Chloë Gough, Alice Hassall, Rebecca Hopkins, Jessica Howard, Aoife Hurley, Danielle Jackson, Amy Longhurst, Grace Pearson, Nicola Russell, Antonia Smith and Lily Tyrimos. 

Ria's mother and sister, Carol and Kaz Melvin, are also taking part.

The group aims to raise as much money as possible for Brain Tumour Research. Money raised will help contribute towards cutting-edge research and treatment, that will help provide a greater fighting chance to those facing a similar battle to Ria.