JAMES Nicholas will be in the hearts and minds of a squad of students and lecturers when they tackle a bike ride along the Leeds Liverpool canal.

The former Carmel College student died suddenly four days before his 22nd birthday in October 2012 from an undetected heart defect.

He is the inspiration for a team of 19 staff and five students, including his sister Caitlin, from Carmel to set off next Tuesday (May 27).

Ian Moran, 32, head of maths at the college, has organised the event to raise funds for the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).

He said: “I spoke to his dad Kevin who is very passionate about it.

“We wanted to do something to raise money and publicity for this charity and stop it happening to someone else.

“I did the route around seven years ago wanted to do something challenging but not too difficult. Hopefully it will give the students a sense of achievement.

“It will take around two days and will be covering around 64 miles a day, staying in Accrington overnight. We will finish at Anfield, where we will hopefully get out our picture taken.

“And James’ mum and dad will hopefully make an appearance along the route for some moral support and help with refreshments.”

Paul Morrison, assistant head of maths at Carmel, taught James and paid tribute to a “superb student, always with a friendly smiling face”.

He said: “James always gave total effort and commitment to any task presented and he was always willing to offer help to other students.

“You could also always have a chat with him about Liverpool football or Saints RL outside of learning time and get his knowledgeable thoughts on the previous weekend games.”