A DETERMINED dad is preparing to set-off on a gruelling 480-mile bike ride across the length of the country in memory of his five-year-old son.

Simon Lambert, from Westcliff, will leave Leith in Edinburgh next Monday and cycle all the way to Leigh to raise cash for a number of charities.

Simon’s son, Archie, sadly died in January 2023 after being diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour.

Now, the 51-year-old is taking on the gruelling challenge in aid of several charities which supported the family, including Young Lives vs Cancer and Little Havens Hospice.

The route is extra special for Simon as the journey from Leith to Leigh was one of the last car journeys the family made together. Simon will arrive back in Leigh on Sunday 21 April.

Archie was diagnosed with the brain tumour in February 2021 and underwent 30 rounds of radiotherapy to reduce the tumour size.

Just months later the family were told the tumour was not detected on the latest MRI but doctors warned it was likely to return.

The youngster started school in September 2021 but by February 2022, the tumour had returned.

In the summer, his family were devastatingly told no further treatment was possible.

Simon said: “He continued to play and learn with his happy smile. Unfortunately he was unable to continue with school after October half-term as his walking and speech were starting to be affected, but we were able to carry on with days out and enjoying time together.

“It wasn’t until 31st December 2022, that he was no longer able to swallow himself and had to go on a NG tube. He also had limited use of his right side, but still told us what he wanted, especially when it came to Pokémon.

“On January 7 2023 our family started staying at Little Havens, as Archie had deteriorated further and with their amazing help we were able to spend time with him using their facilities. It was only on his last day that he was unable to leave his bed, and sadly passed on January 26.”

Simon said that Archie used to love to cycle with him, along with his favourite duck toy resting on the handlebars. Simon now has the same toy duck on his handlebars.

Alongside Young Lives vs Cancer, Simon will be raising money for Little Havens Hospice, Abbie’s Army, Unbeatable Eva, Torbay Holiday Helpers Network, Thumbs up for Charlie, and Make-a-Wish UK.