THE LEGACY of one little boy from Oxfordshire has willed more than 50 people to sign up to an epic cycle ride.

The 50 odd cyclists, including Oxford United legend James Constable, are gearing up for the #TOO500 bike ride in less than a month for baby boy Oscar Cole.

The one-year-old died of a brain injury on June 19, 2014, having contracted Encephalitis, a rare condition that causes inflammation of the brain.

This year marks five years from the youngsters sudden passing, and five years in which his parents David and Hannah Cole, from Kirtlington near Bicester, have been raising funds in his memory.

To mark the Thinking of Oscar charity anniversary the bereaved parents have arranged a 500-mile bike ride, comprising of five 100-mile legs.

It will raise money for various projects across the country that are helping improve child healthcare.

Mrs Cole said: "The response has been fantastic and it’s gearing up to be a great event.

"Quite a few health practitioners have signed up, which is particularly pleasing, as it demonstrates Thinking of Oscar is resonating with the profession we’re striving to help.

"We’d encourage people to donate what they can afford to back the people taking part in this big challenge and help us help others via investment in innovative technology.

"Every donation means so much and not only will it help us achieve our goal of improving child healthcare via technological advancements, it will also give the cyclists a great boost.

"It’s a big challenge for everyone and we’re all now upping our training.

"I’ve never cycled so far before, so it’s a personal challenge, but I know we will all support each other."

One of the recent recruits to the event is Oxford United's all-time second highest goal scorer, James Constable who will saddle up with fellow Oxford United in the Community trustee Stuart Bradney.

Mr Constable will take on two legs of the gruelling challenge, while Mr Bradney has opted to go the whole hog.

The cyclists will set off from Oxford Children’s Hospital and visit Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Sheffield Children’s Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital. Cyclists will be greeted at each hospital by key staff.

With less than one month to go to until the mammoth cycle ride the pair have appealed to people to back the cyclists taking part.

Mr Cole added: “The purpose of the campaign is to drive change nationally and by linking some of the UK’s most respected children’s hospitals for #TOO500 we believe we can accelerate progress via technology and state of the art innovations."

To support the pair's efforts, and donate go to justgiving.com/campaign/TOO500