Friends of a Surbiton photojournalist killed by pro-Gaddafi forces in Libya one year ago will take part in a gruelling bike race to raise cash for his children.

As the first anniversary of the death of Anton Hammerl approaches, fellow photographers Dino Lloyd and Kim Ludbrock will take part in the 10-day Asba Cape Epic fundraiser in South Africa starting on March 21.

Mr Hammerl was missing for 40 days before it was revealed he had been killed on the day of his capture on April 5 last year by soldiers loyal to deposed former leader Gaddafi.

His body is still yet to be found, despite his family writing an open letter to President Zuma last June.

Mr Ludbrock, who worked with Mr Hammerl on a South African newspaper, got the idea for the charity ride after coming back from covering the war in Libya.

An avid mountain biker, he said he wanted to do something special for Mr Hammerl’s children.

He said that all funds would go directly to the children.

Mr Ludbrock said: “I have twin girls aged nine, and felt the least I could do, with my riding partner, Dino, was try to raise funds for Anton’s kids.”

South African national Mr Hammerl lived in Surbiton with his wife and two sons, Hiro and Neo.

Mr Ludbrock said: “Clearly Anton’s family and friends cannot find closure to his death until such time as his remains have been found and brought back to South Africa.

“Added to that, we aim to simply ask people to take a moment to think about Anton and the fact that he is still in Libya and has not made it home.”

Cycle company Axis Bikes have backed the riders by giving them top of the range bikes to ride and pledging 20,000 rand (£1,700), in support of the challenge.

To find out how to donate to the Anton Hammerl Fund, visit friendsofanton.org/ cycling-for-anton-hammerl.

To track the progress of Team Anton Hammerl before and during the ABSA Cape Epic, follow @anton hammerl and @Axis_Bikes on Twitter.