Cyclists are setting off on a London-Amsterdam bike ride in memory of a much-loved campaigner, who worked tirelessly to help those on two wheels in Ealing .

David Eales was due to complete the sponsored ride himself, but he died aged just 50 in August after contracting a "horrific" skin condition.

The remaining six members of the team have now dedicated the expedition, being undertaken to raise awareness and funds for the London Cycling Campaign (LCC), to the hugely popular father-of-two.

Brian Smith, who is coordinator of the Hounslow Cycling Campaign - the borough branch of the cycling charity , is among those who will be taking part.

"Until four weeks ago, David had intended to ride with us," he said.

"But he suddenly became ill and after a short time was diagnosed with TEN (toxic epidermal necrolysis), an absolutely horrific disease where the body rejects your own skin.

'He was a friend and kept my conscience honest'

David Eales on his bike

"Despite the excellent care in the Burns Unit of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital he didn't survive.

"The remaining members of the team, who all counted David as a friend, want to make the ride a great success in his honour, hence changing the name of the ride as a memorial to him.

"My appreciation of David is special. He was a friend, he wasn't afraid to be different and he kept my conscience honest."

The cyclists are due to set off from Parliament Square in London on Tuesday (September 13) morning and pedal some 300 miles to the Rijsmuseum in Amsterdam, via Dover and Dunkirk.

Mr Eales was a prominent member of the LCC and started the London Bike Hub, then known as the Ealing Bike Hub, which refurbished second-hand bikes and distributed them to those in need.

He organised cycling events in Ealing and fought to make the streets safer for those using bikes, and to improved disabled access.

Tributes poured in following his death, with friends, family and others who continue to benefit from his legacy describing him as a "tremendous ambassador" for cycling and a "lovely guy".

You can sponsor the cyclists, who hope to raise £1,500, on their JustGiving page.