A GROUP of teachers are taking on a cycling challenge in memory of one of their pupils.

Four teaching staff from Norton College are cycling from coast to coast this summer in aid of Yorkshire-based cancer charity Candlelighters.

The charity supported Harvey Pettit, a former student at the school, who died in April 2014 after suffering a chest infection brought on by complications following a bone marrow transplant.

Harvey, who was 20, lived with his parents David and Jackie, brother Lucas and sister Levi, in Norton. He successfully battled leukaemia as a child, however, the disease returned in 2011.

The following year he was told the leukaemia was resistant to the chemotherapy and the only option was a bone marrow transplant.

Despite a successful operation, infections started to reoccur, including Graft-versus-host disease, a common complication following a bone marrow transplant.

Harvey's former teachers, Steve Raettig, Pete Jackson, Simon Desborough and Luke Hillary will cycle 170 miles from Morecambe to Bridlington, along the Way of the Roses route during the last week of the school summer holidays.

Steve, who has organised the ride, said: "The motivation for doing this is quite personal. As a college community we have had students in the past who have suffered from cancer, including Harvey and it is in their memory that we are doing this ride.

"Candlelighters is a fantastic charity which provides emotional and practical support for young people with cancer and I know Harvey's family in particular were wonderfully supported by the charity during their son’s battle with leukaemia."

Simon added: "We’ve had wonderful support so far, pupils have been able to convert their Vivos college reward points into a donation to Candlelighters and they have already donated £350 in this way, which is overwhelming."

"So far we’ve raised more than £1,000 of our £2,000 target, which is a fantastic start."

Luke said: "It will be a tough three days of cycling. Training is going well, with some lengthy rides so far, but it will be well worth it for such a good cause."

Harvey's dad David said: "Our son loved Candlelighters and what it stood for as the charity is all about Yorkshire and our local community. He also loved Norton College and the support staff gave him through his live.

"He would be so proud of all the teachers for bringing this two things together."

Anyone who would like to support the team should go to justgiving.com/fundraising/Norton-Coast-2-Coasters