A weekly editor and his family took part in a cycle marathon at the weekend in a bid to raise cash for pancreatic cancer research.

Neil Speight, editor of the Thurrock Enquirer, was raising the money in memory of his friend Ian Woodcock, who died from the illness aged 56.

Together with his wife Yvonne, 11-year-old son Jack and daughter Emily, seven, he completed the 21-mile Thurrock Cycle Marathon on Sunday, raising £400 so far.

Said Neil:  “The real hero was Jack, just turned 11, who crashed into a four foot ditch full of nettles, was badly stung and had a few cuts and bruises but we hauled him out and he bravely carried on.

“Was a great day and I hope a fitting tribute from us to my good friend Ian who died recently from Pancreatic cancer.”

Donations can be made at Neil’s Just Giving page which can be found here.