Patients and their families joined a day of celebration to welcome home the Life Cycle 4 riders.

The 1,400-mile bike ride was in aid of the University’s Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre, with each of the 15 cyclists riding in honour of a patient who has battled the disease.

The group was led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir David Greenaway, who rode in honour of Sam White, who sadly died aged 16 a year ago from a brain tumour. Five members of the White family were among 600 people who took part in a community bike ride.

Sir David told the families that they were the heroes of the day.

“You have been a real inspiration for the all the riders because when we felt we needed extra energy or a mental boost we’ve just thought about what you have done, which is to channel energy which could have turned into anger and frustration but you turned into a passion for doing something for others,” he said.

Sam White’s dad Mike said: “One of our nephews said that if what we raise today can stop another Sam or similar children dying from cancer that would be fantastic. Sam was acutely aware that what he did to raise awareness of children’s brain tumours, wasn’t going to benefit him but would benefit the children who came after him and he was okay with that, as we are too.”

The appeal is closing on its £750,000 target, a record for Life Cycle. To contribute, please visit: www.nottingham.ac.uk/lifecycle