THE memory of a much-loved wife and mother will live on later this month when her son sets off to cycle from Paris to Milan with a childhood friend.

David Fazackerley, 31, and Colin Irvine, 32, will cover 613 miles, leaving Paris on May 24 to raise funds for the Pelican charity; a cause close to David’s heart.

His mother, teacher Marlene Fazackerley, 62, died on May 15 last year after a long battle with bladder cancer. Pelican carries out vital research into bowel, bladder, prostate and liver cancers.

The gruelling ride will be unsupported with David and Colin carrying all their own kit in panniers, passing the Alps as well as cycling up the Tour de France and Giro d’italia legendary climb the 8,678ft high Col du Galibier.

David, who grew up in Merley and lives in Moordown, said: “We will be climbing the equivalent of Mount Everest over seven to eight days. Mum would have called us crazy but would have been very proud of us.”

Colin grew up in Corfe Mullen and lives in Parkstone. Both he and David attended Corfe Hills School in Broadstone.

David said: “We know each other because our mothers worked together at Lytchett Minster School; as children we were very close sharing camping holidays in France.”

He added: “My main inspiration is to hopefully ensure that more families don’t lose loved ones to this type of cancer. Mum had an unbelievable ability to help people when they were in trouble. I can remember countless people, both colleagues and students, looking to her for support when they were in need. She was always the person I turned to as well.”

If you would like to support David and Colin visit justgiving.com /paris2milan2013