A BREAST cancer battler will get on her bike to tackle the cycling route that will feature in the first two legs of this summer’s Tour de France.

Karen Jarvis, mother of promising young St Helens runner Chelsea, is about to claim some of the sporting limelight of her own when she joins the Steve Prescott Foundation challenge.

The 53-year-old, who has fought cancer since 2010, will cycle the route in Yorkshire – a month before the world’s most famous road race officially gets underway in Yorkshire this July.

Karen, a sports physiotherapist from Eccleston, says day one will see her cycle 120 miles but it is the second day that presents the greater challenge.

She told the Star: “It will be around 125 miles and there will be a lot of climbing. It’s around half the height of Everest.”

Throughout her illness Karen tried to keep as active as possible.

She added: “When I was diagnosed the breast surgeon said I need to take time out if I want to be here in 20 years.

“But my husband said ‘that’s not you’.”

Initially she took the surgeon’s advice but the lure of her bike proved too strong and, as she regained her strength, she covered more miles.

“The doctors told me that whatever I was doing, to keep doing it because it was working. It definitely helped me get through it.”

Karen decided to raise money for the SPF through her friendship with former Saints player Steve Hall who has taken part in numerous events for the charity.

“When I became ill Steve Prescott was already terminally ill and was doing all those amazing things.

“I thought that I’d take a leaf out of his book.

“I go out regularly on the bike and do my spin classes. I have also been up Shaley Brow, Billinge at least ten times.”

Sponsor Karen at justgiving.com/karen-jarvis3.