A DAD is planning to cycle 70 miles and visit 16 primary schools across Craven to raise money in memory of his daughter, Esme.

Gavin Phillis, the Craven school games organiser for North Yorkshire Sport, will be getting in the saddle on Friday, May 26, to help to raise funds for Martin House Children's Hospice.

He has been inspired by the "amazing" people who supported him and his family at the time of the tragic death of his one day old daughter in October 2015.

Gavin has already taken part in numerous sporting activities this year - including the Leeds Half Marathon and the London Marathon.

His job is to deliver the school games programme across Craven district for North Yorkshire Sport, allowing schools to participate in cluster, area and county competitions.

This particular cycling challenge will see him and his team visit 2,300 primary school students across the district who will be taking part in their own cycling themed events during the day.

Some schools have set challenges for the students to attempt, such as the Tour de Greatwood which involves setting up a stationary bike and getting the children to keep the bike going throughout the day.

Other schools are planning to get cycle instructors in to carry out cycle training with the students.

A support car will be driving ahead of 'the peloton' to notify each school of the cyclists' arrival. Schools will wait outside to welcome them with their guest book and where Gavin will take photographs with school staff and students to mark the memorable occasion.

He said: "Martin House Children's Hospice provided my family and I with some essential bereavement support during one of the toughest periods of our lives and for that we will be eternally grateful.

"As expected it's been an extremely emotional couple of years but we have met some amazing people along the way and I am beyond proud that my little girl and her story has brought so many people together to help raise money and awareness of a charity that supports so many.'

The route will take in some of the 2014 Tour de France Grand Départ and subsequent Tour de Yorkshire routes and the estimated money raised is between £2,000 and £3,000.

Gavin's JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/G-PHILLIS