A SOUTH Shropshire mother who lost her battle with cancer has provided the inspiration behind a bike ride from one end of the country to another.

Eight young men are cycling from John O’Groats to Land End in tribute to Paddy Brick from Stanton Lacy who died last September at the age of 46.

The intrepid eight includes Paddy’s sons Toby and Fred, who are raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support, her chosen charity as it helped the family through a very difficult time.

Paddy was diagnosed with cancer in March 2010 but after initially fighting off the disease it became terminal.

“For us she was an inspiration for everything we do. She showed the way. She was always there for everybody and was very helpful and friendly,”

said Toby Brick.

“My mum liked to get involved in charity fun runs and things like that and we wanted to do something as well. It’s in the vein of what she’d have done. It’s such a good cause and Macmillan helped us a lot.”

Joining Toby and Fred are: Gareth Parker from Stanton Lacy; Joel Leversedge from Culmington; Ben Barnfield from Ludlow; Jack Lines from Culmington; Jack Grif fiths from Culmington; and Will Sparrow from Wigmore.

The eight hope to finish the g ruelling ride on July 7.

“Hopefully we are fit enough to do it. We have done some training so we will see how we get on,” said Toby. “But it’s quite terrifying at this stage. Most of us are 20 with the exception of Fred who is 17.”

To see how the eight are prog ressing visit pedalling4paddy.co.uk where donations can also be made.