CYCLISTS rode to Windsor Castle and back in memory of  campaigning schoolgirl Devaanshi Mehta who died of a rare blood disorder.

Staff from Nower Hill High School in George V Avenue, Pinner, took part in the annual fundraising ride for Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH) that was set up by pupil Devaanshi Mehta.

It was the first since the 15-year-old, of Manor Road, Harrow, passed away of aplastic anaemia at the hospital on June 28.

The keen blogger had fronted a campaign to urge more people to sign up to donate blood and platelets and wrote matter-of-factly on her blog about her condition.

Devaanshi’s mother Kalyani said: “Devaanshi was an amazing child with, not just determination, but also a huge sense of responsibility towards helping other children within GOSH. As she quite frankly put it in her Jack Petchey Award write up: ‘Nothing more can be done for me but I want to make a difference to others’.

“She inspired so many people not just to go out and donate their bone marrow, organs and blood products, but to go forward in their lives and think of others. She never wanted any other child to suffer and that was her main reason for encouraging others to think the way she did.

“She never wanted to be forgotten and I know that events like the bike ride will keep Devaanshi’s memory alive.

“I would like to thank Nower Hill High School for keeping the bike ride going. I hope it continues on for many years. I would also like to thank the members of staff who took part and also those who have supported this cause.”

The riders set off from the school at 8am on Sunday for Windsor in Berkshire before taking a quick rest and posing for a picture at Windsor Castle, then retracing their route to complete the 50-mile round trip in about four-and-a-half hours.

George Nagle, assistant headteacher, said: “It was really good. The weather was cold and misty and very damp.

“It was quite emotional because the fundraising cycle ride was Devaanshi’s idea. We started three years ago and we had promised her we would do it every year.

“This was the third one and the last two have been London to Brighton. We have raised about £1,500 before and we hope to raise a few more bob this time. We are going to try to keep it going every year, and it’s for a wonderful cause – GOSH – and it’s good for the Mehta family and our school community.

“Devaanshi had made me a fabric cupcake, which I attached to my handlebars as a good luck charm.”

There were nine members of staff – George Nagle, Dave Rankin, John Cox, Temma Price, Virginia Reader, Leslie Cripps, Simon Letchet, Baldev Bharj and Ray Eamus – and three guests, Mr Nagle’s daughters Amy and May, and Katie Meston, a friend of one of the participants.

The event raised more than £670 for Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity.