THE family of an inspirational six-year-old boy who died from cancer are embarking on a fundraising cycle challenge to support other youngsters suffering from the same disease.

Mason Campion, of Bishop Auckland, fought bravely for more than four and a half years having been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.

Following his diagnosis, the youngster, together with his parents, enjoyed three holidays thanks to the Torbay Holiday Helpers Network (THHN).

The charity provides free memory-making holidays for families living with serious illness and bereavement.

Since Mason’s death in June, his parents Andrew Campion and Carol Newton have secured a caravan in Crimdon Dene to help families going through the same thing create some happy memories during difficult times.

The family need to fundraise to ensure the caravan can be available for the forthcoming year and many more after that.

Mason’s uncle and auntie, Paul and Emma Campion have set up Mason's Smile for Monster Miles and are organising a mountain bike ride from Whitehaven to Bishop Auckland in July to help give the fundraising a major boost.

The event see 16 riders tackle the challenging course over three days and if all is a success as expected then Mr Campion plans to put it on every year with more and more riders.

“We have had a lot of interest in this and we have seven people signed up but we are looking for more riders,” he said. “As long as people have ridden a mountain bike before and have a relative level of fitness then they can get involved.

“It will be tough but really worth it.

“The caravan is a chance for Andrew and Carol to give something back and give families the enjoyment opportunities they were given when Mason was bad.

“A lot of charities helped them and I think this helps them feel like they are giving something back.”

He added: “Mason was amazing and a little fighter. He was so funny and he had a massive impact on all of our lives in just that short time.

“He was just a massive inspiration to so many people.”

Anyone interested in getting involved or for fundraising updates ride should contact Paul or Emma Campion through their facebook pages or visit the Mason’s Smile for Monster Miles facebook page.

In addition, any offers of sponsorship by businesses or donations of kit would be very welcome.