When his younger brother was diagnosed with cancer at just 16, Ryan Leach feared the worst.

In March last year, Witney teenager Charlie noticed a lump in his leg which weeks later was diagnosed as a lipsarcoma tumour – a rare condition that only affects three people in every million.

The news was “devastating” for his family.

But a year later and with Charlie finally on the road to recovery, his big brother will cycle 986 miles for the charity that put the smile back on his face.

Mr Leach, 24, said: “As an older brother, it was devastating to see Charlie become so unwell and have to endure such gruelling treatment and endless hospital visits.”

Charlie, who told the Oxford Mail in September that he thought he was going to die, underwent 25 days of intensive radiotherapy treatment – 10 minutes every morning for five weeks, with only the weekends as a break.

His dreams of becoming a Formula 1 engineer were put on hold while he concentrated on recovery.

Then Starlight Children’s Foundation stepped in. Last year, they organised for Charlie to visit race circuit Silverstone and meet British Formula 3 racing driver Oli Webb.

And his biggest dream of all will come true this May when he travels to Monaco to meet ultimate hero Lewis Hamilton.

His older brother said: “Starlight has lifted his spirits at a time he really needed it most and the thought of going to the Monaco Grand Prix has really given him and my family something positive to look forward to.

“And now Charlie has been given the all-clear and is back at college, I want to do something for the charity as well.”

Next month, Mr Leach will cycle from Cape Wrath to Land’s End in 10 days. He said: “I am so unfit. I’m a darts player and I like a pint of beer. But Charlie and others like him go through hell, and so I’m putting myself through hell as well to help make the dreams of other seriously ill children come true.

“In March it will be a year since Charlie was diagnosed. So this marks the closure of a very dark chapter for my family.”

To sponsor Mr Leach visit starlight.org.uk or virginmoney giving.com/ryanleach