A dad is putting his foot to the pedal in memory of a friend who lost his battle with Motor Neurone Disease.

Nigel Kemp and four pals are taking part in the London to Brighton Cycle Ride as a tribute to Steve Ackhurst.

The dad-of-three, from Silverdale Grove, Sittingbourne, died from an aggressive form of the neurological disorder last year.

Steve, 53, was a West Ham fanatic and at his funeral, Nigel and five other pallbearers – most of whom will be competing in the bike ride – wore Hammers’ shirts bearing his name.

They will be wearing the same claret and blue tops when they set off for the seaside from the capital on Sunday, September 7.

Nigel, 55, an IT consultant from Fallowfield, Sittingbourne, said: “Although Motor Neurone Disease is rare, I think one person in 100,000 is diagnosed each year, Steve is among a few people from the Sittingbourne area we know who have died from it.

“I’ve never really taken on a challenge like this before, but the training’s going well – we’re all getting our miles in.”

Dad-of-two Nigel (pictured) said the group hopes the ride will raise between about £5,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Thanks to donations from friends and work colleagues, they are already £1,000 nearer their target.

As a warm-up to the big day, the five cyclists have organised a 55-mile ride – the equivalent to the London to Brighton distance – next month.

“We’re hoping it will stand us in good stead for the real thing,” he said.