FOUR young friends from Blackbird Leys will today set off on a 95-mile cycle ride in memory of a leukaemia victim.

Conor Mullen, 18, Declan Carr, 17, and cousins Sam, 21, and Jay Trinder, 17, from Falcon Close, will ride from Oxford to Bournemouth and back this weekend.

They are expected to return on Sunday, which would have been the 17th birthday of Sam and Jay’s cousin, Sophie Whipp.

Oxford Academy pupil Sophie, of Greater Leys, lost her two-year battle with leukaemia in February last year aged 15.

She had been named a Cancer Research UK Little Star for her courage.

The lads are aiming to raise thousands of pounds for Kamran’s Ward at the John Radcliffe Hospital, where Sophie was treated.

Jay said: “We have worked really hard in the build up to the ride, and now is the time to put our training into action.

“We are doing it for a very special cause, and the memory of Sophie will help drive us on if things get tough.”

To get a sponsor form call Jay on 07739366103 or pick one up from Black Mamba Tattoo Studio in Windmill Road, Headington.