THE son of a cancer victim says his dad's memory will keep him going as he takes on a cycling challenge all the way to London in three days.

Matthew Clowes has organised the charity ride in aid of Macmillan which will see a group of 17 pedal 265 miles setting off for the capital from Newton-le-Willows.

He decided to do it shortly before dad Keith's passing aged 59 last November and Matthew, 25, who was his only son has vowed to complete the daunting feat in his memory.

The group sets off on Thursday, April 13 and will arrive at the finishing line on Easter Sunday.

"The bike ride is something we discussed with him while he was alive and when I told him he said 'good luck,'" said Matthew.

"We knew he wasn't going to be here for the time of the ride. It isn't going to be easy doing 60 to 80 miles a day but thinking of my dad will be what gets us through it.

"To me it's about raising money for a good charity in memory of my dad."

Matthew added: "He was the biggest Saints fan and we used to go and we've been to Catalans a few times.

"He was a big fellow and you wouldn't have known up until a few months ago that he had cancer.

"There's 17 of us doing the ride and five, including myself, work for United Utilities. There will be two ladies driving up in a camper van. And all our friends are coming from Newton and there will be about 36 of us in London and we'll go to a pub and have a few beers.

"My mum and stepdad will be there at the finish line and have got a flag made in his honour."

There will also be a charity night at the Oak Tree pub on Crow Lane East, Newton-Le-Willows, Saturday, March 25 starting at 7pm. There is no admission cost but people are asked to give generously. A raffle with prizes donated by local businesses takes place and from 9.30pm live music by Chicken Run will be performed.

See justgiving.com/fundraising/keithclowes to donate.