When he was only a teenager, Tom Huckin's father was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Two weeks later, he was dead.

Now the Wimbledon man and his sister Alison Lacey, alongside their partners Kate and Neville will ride 170km to help fund pioneering research into brain tumours.

Initially we thought it was epilepsy, but further tests showed that he had an inoperable brain tumour," Mr Huckin said.

"He was only 44 when he died, which definitely inspired our family to help others who may also be affected."

So far they group has raised more than £1700 for charity Brain Tumour Research and they have been training hard for the French journey from Dieppe to Paris.

“We are aiming to complete the cycle in two days, cycling 35 miles on the first afternoon, 70 miles the day after and another 35 miles on the final morning to the Arc de Triomphe” said Mrs Huckin.

"It has taken us around six months to prepare for the ride, so we are really excited now and proud to have already beaten our £300 target.

“I’m sure it will be a big challenge to take on, but I am pleased that I’m making new memories with a great group by my side.

"We hope our efforts will help raise awareness of this awful disease and draw attention to the underfunding of research which has gone on for far too long.”

Janice Wright, community fundraising manager at the charity said the money raised would go towards research into the causes of brain tumours and improving treatments.

“We really appreciate Kate, her co-riders and support group for organising the Dieppe to Paris bike ride," she said.

"For too long, brain tumours have been a neglected cancer and we cannot allow this desperate situation to continue.

"Sadly, less than 20 per cent of those diagnosed with a brain tumour survive beyond five years compared with an average of 50 per cent across all cancers."