300-mile cycle challenge in honour of brave dad Ric

The 35-year-old died at the end of last year after he was diagnosed with incurable cancer, but his family and friends are determined to keep his memory alive.

His father-in-law John Farnden is to travel to London on Tuesday ahead of a 300-mile ride to Paris, with the motto Don’t Stop Me Now - Ric’s favourite song which was played at his funeral.

The pair had agreed Ric would help John train for the ride but, as Ric became more unwell, he asked John to take his bike so he could be with him in spirit.

John’s family, including Ric’s wife Leonie, and sons Sidney and Oscar, will be waiting for him at the Eiffel Tower on Saturday.

John, 62, who lives in Fulwood, said he had signed up to the ride to raise money for Rosemere Cancer Foundation and Ric was going to make him a training plan.

He said: “Unfortunately he became really ill and wasn’t able to do me a training plan, but he said ‘I’m sorry I won’t be in Paris to meet you, but will you use my bike?’ And I said of course I will.

He said ‘At least I can be with you in spirit, because I can’t be with you in person, and I know you’ll be taking my bike with you’.

“I’ll be cycling to Paris on Richard’s bike, and I know he’ll be with me in spirit.

“It’s the biggest challenge of my life, but I’m doing it for him and his memory.

“I’m doing it to raise money for Rosemere, which was very dear to his heart.

“I can imagine cycling down the Champs-Elysees at the end of it with eight of our family there, including his wife and children.

“Saturday afternoon will be very emotional, but it will be brilliant when I’ve done it.”