A Sunderland mum is gearing up to take part in an inspiring coast-to-coast cycling challenge later this year in memory of her daughter.

Tracey Younger, as part of a 15-strong team, will cycle from Whitehaven, in Cumbria, to Roker Beach, in Sunderland, between Friday, September 25, and Sunday, September 27, in support of the Buffy Younger Impact Fund.

The fund was set up in January 2025 following the death of Tracey’s daughter, Buffy Younger, who sadly died in April 2024 at the age of 28 after a six-year battle with aplastic anaemia – a rare disease that causes bone marrow failure.

Buffy was treated at the Sunderland Royal Hospital and the Freeman Hospital, in Newcastle, where she later died.

Buffy Younger sadly died in April 2024 at the age of 28 after a six-year battle with aplastic anaemia – a rare disease that causes bone marrow failure.

placeholder image — Buffy Younger sadly died in April 2024 at the age of 28 after a six-year battle with aplastic anaemia – a rare disease that causes bone marrow failure.

Since her passing, Tracey has been working closely with the Aplastic Anaemia Trust to raise awareness and funding for research into the condition.

Speaking about her daughter, Tracey said: "Buffy was a beautiful and truly wonderful person – the centre of everything.

"She was fun, bubbly and outgoing, with a presence that lit up every room.”

Buffy’s family and friends have organised a range of fundraising events in the past, but wanted to take on a bigger challenge this year.

Tracey said: “That’s why we’re doing the coast to coast and the Great North Run later this year.

"It’s such a rare disease and it’s not a big community at all, so it’s important we raise awareness and much-needed funds for research into this devastating disease.”

For more information, to donate, or to get involved in future fundraising events see https://www.theaat.org.uk/Appeal/buffy-younger-impact-fund.