A FORMER Shrimpers star is leading a team of cyclists on a 650-mile charity bike ride in memory of his mum.

Garry Nelson, who played for Southend United in the late Seventies and early Eighties, is part of a nine-strong team riding from Scotland’s Mull of Kintyre back to Southend.

The challenge is to raise money for Havens Hospices and a charity helping ill people enjoy special days out - the Willow Foundation.

The ride is in memory of his mum, Elsie French, 68, who died at Fair Havens hospice, in Westcliff, on Christmas Day, 2005, just six weeks after being diagnosed with lung cancer.

Mr Nelson, 50, who lives in Benfleet will be joined by friends and family on the ride which starts on Friday.

To sponsor him visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/cyclesouthend2southend.