A BRAVE Busselton teenager is on the mend following the diagnosis of a rare brain tumour and is set to take on the ride of her life.
Deni Atkinson will be riding in the 200 kilometre Sunsuper Ride to Conquer Cancer in October to give back to the people she said helped save her life.
Over a year ago 16-year-old Deni was diagnosed with a golf ball sized tumour in her brain and following a seven hour operation was told most of the tumour was inoperable.
She then made the long journey to America for specialised radiotherapy to kill off the remaining tumour.
Before the diagnosis Deni said she was a normal and happy straight A student who loved to play sport.
Since the operation and treatment she suffers from chronic fatigue and no longer produces certain hormones, some of which affect her metabolism.
Deni said she was set to take on the ride with ‘Team Deni’ which included her mother Carmen and family friends Connie Watson and Elaine O’Brien.
“I want to ride for friends I have lost, friends who inspire me, friends who support me and friends who too fight this battle,” she said.
Ms Watson said Deni continued to impress her with her incredible optimism as she tackled each hurdle in her ongoing battle.
Team Deni have invited the community to a fundraising sun-downer on September 18 from 6 to 8.30pm at the Stilts Beach Bar and Restaurant.
Members of local band Dallas Royal will also be playing an acoustic show on Sunday at Caves House to raise funds for Deni.
More information on the September 18 event can be found on the Community Connect website
