SIX former students from an Abingdon school are cycling 215 miles along canal towpaths in memory of their friend who died in a crash.

Dale Paterson died in a car crash in Italy, aged 13, in August 2005. He was not wearing his seatbelt correctly.

His friends from John Mason School, now 18, will begin their four-day journey in Bath tomorrow and finish at Rewley Road fire station, Oxford, on Wednesday.

The last day of their ride marks the fifth anniversary of Dale’s life support being switched off. The team is raising money for The Fire Fighters Charity.

Dale’s father Bob Paterson, who is watch manager at Rewley Road, will drive a support van during the ride.

Stuart Harrop, the team leader, said: “We wanted to do something to remember Dale before we all go off in different directions now that we have finished school.

“Doing something which raises money for a charity close to Dale makes it more special. We just wish he could be here to do it with us and lift our spirits.”

Mr Paterson said: “I am completely humbled and proud of Dale’s friends.

“Never a day goes by without me thinking of Dale and what he would be doing if he was leaving school with his friends.”

In June, Mr Paterson and other firefighters rode from John O’Groats to Land’s End, raising £30,000 for Help for Heroes and The Fire Fighters Charity.