A CYCLIST is preparing for an emotional 900-mile ride after the death of the friend who inspired his fundraising challenge.

Ken Nelson, 68, from Bridgehill, Consett, County Durham, and his friend, Peter Pattison, 60, had planned to cycle from John O' Groats to Land's End, to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

But as they were putting the finishing touches to their plans, Mr Pattison died from a heart attack on April 22.

Mr Nelson said: "Peter's death was a terrible shock. He was a lovely man.

"It was Peter's idea to do the bike ride, and I'm continuing it as a tribute to him."

Mr Nelson will set out on his fundraising mission on Friday, joined by his wife, Ann, Mr Pattison's wife, Yvonne, and his 17-year-old son, Gary, from Cramlington, Northumberland.

They will be taking it in turns to cycle and drive the support vehicle, and hope to average 65 miles a day over two weeks.

Mr Nelson, a retired engineering instructor, who spent 30 years at the British Steel works in Consett, said: "I'm sure I will feel a range of emotions during the bike ride.

"We met on holiday nine years ago. Peter was getting married to Yvonne in the same hotel that I was staying at with my wife.

"I recognised that his accent was from the North-East, we got chatting and the four of us were friends ever since. I will be sad because Peter won't be there with me, but glad to be raising money for such a good cause."

Mr Nelson has already raised more than £1,000, mainly thanks to locals at the Derwent Walk Pub in Ebchester. Mr Pattison's family have raised another £2,000.

Cancer Research UK spends more than £2m a year on research projects at Newcastle University.

These include studies to devise new and more effective cancer treatments for children and adults, research into inherited forms of cancer, and clinical trials at hospitals in Newcastle and the North-East.

Suzanne McKenna, Cancer Research UK community fundraiser, said: "We are extremely grateful to Ken and Peter's families for their commitment to raising money for Cancer Research UK after their sad loss."

Anyone who wishes to make a donation to Mr Nelson's sponsored bike ride can contact the charity on 0191-281 8288.