‘Our 500 mile bike ride to support friends in need’

Phil King, 37, and Russell King, of Westcliff, are cycling from the home of their friend of 15 years, Tom Pelham, 34, in Ashford, Kent, to the home of family friend Milla Seegers, in Bammental, near Heidelberg, Germany.

Tom, who has three children Zachary, Samuel and Faith, with wife Anna, was diagnosed with euro-endocrine tumours on his liver in 2014.

Unfortunately chemotherapy was unsuccessful, but he is now undergoing radio peptide therapy which currently appears to be working effectively to keep the tumours from growing.

Russell, 42, said: "We have known Tom for over 15 years, and apart from being my brother-in-law, he is a loyal, trust worthy, positive and very gentle friend who among other things, to us is a memorable squad member in the WBCFC team I managed, crowned National Christian Football Champions in 2004."

The duo are also cycling in support of Milla, the daughter of a family friend.

The four-year-old was diagnosed with a particularly aggressive form of brain tumour last year and underwent a seven hour operation to remove the tumour.

She started chemotherapy in September and although it has turned her and her family's world upside down, she is taking it all in her stride.

Russell said: "We will be taking up this challenge, beginning on the last weekend in July and hoping to complete our journey 7 days later on August 5.

"We hope the above stories and the challenge we have set ourselves might prompt you to give generously in support of these causes."

They will be raising money for Cancer Research UK, Kinderplanet, a special unit financed by donations at the University Hospital in Heidelberg that cares for Millas sisters and continues to care for families treated at the Hospital, and Deutsches Krebsforschungs-Zentrum a brain tumour research group specifically linked to Milla’s doctor.

To donate, visit crowdfunding.justgiving.com/tom-milla2016

You can follow their journey at facebook.com/tom.milla2016