Lycra cycle lads finish for Ali, 6

A GROUP of cycling 'superheroes' have raised an amazing £52,000 in memory of a "wonderful little boy".

Jeff Burnett, of Kennel Lane, Fetcham, and nine of his close friends and family, undertook a ride from John O'Groats in Scotland to Lands' End in Cornwall in honour of his son Ali, 6, who died in December last year.

Ali, who died from a rare form of childhood leukaemia, was treated at the Royal Marsden Hospital, and the trip was aimed at raising money for the specialist cancer hospital.

The massive amount raised from the bike ride was well over the target of £25,000 when the race was first planned.

Dave Cooper, a family friend, was one of those who took part in the superhero-themed ride dressed as Superman.

He spoke about the 'eventful' race which involved cycling through torrential rain and gale force winds.

"The festivities at Land's End brought us to the end of the road in many different respects and for this rider, the three cheers for our No 1 hero Ali," he said.

"A truly amazing experience, this rider feels sincerely privileged and honoured to have been involved in such a fitting, fun-packed tribute to a wonderful little boy."

For the last few miles before the finishing line in Cornwall the riders were also joined by other family members.

Kate Burnett, Alastair's mum, said: "We all went down to Cornwall and met them and the wives and the children cycled the last few miles with them.

"The guys were in their superhero costumes and it was fantastic.

"We got through the finishing line and there were quite a few tears and lots of people congratulating each other and then we had pasties and some beers.

"When we crossed the finishing line there were also superhero balloons and other coloured balloons that were released for Ali."

Kate and Jeff planned the bike ride shortly after Ali's death as a way of helping with the grief and raising money for cancer care.

But Mrs Burnett says that the reaction from the public was overwhelming.

She said: "We are absolutely delighted as we never thought in our wildest dreams we would get this amount of money. It makes me feel that we have done something really wonderful."

If you wish to donate to the Royal Marsden Hospital you can visit http://www.justgiving.com/AlisBigRide.