THE father of a brave nine-year-old boy is planning a charity cycle ride to repay nurses who are looking after his son following life-saving surgery.

Matthew Donnelly from Locks Heath is recovering from an operation to remove a tumour from his leg.

Now dad Ged Donnelly will lead a team of riders on a 100-mile journey from the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital at Stanmore in Middlesex, where the surgery was performed, to the Piam Brown children's cancer ward at Southampton General Hospital.

Matthew's 15-year-old brother Shaun will also take part in the August 1 event, which has been dubbed the Ride for Life.

Matthew, a pupil at St Jude's Primary School in Fareham, was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer called Ewing's Sarcoma in February.

He has already endured six courses of chemotherapy and faces a further eight before he can finally be declared free of the disease.

Football-mad Matthew has been boosted in his cancer battle by meeting heroes from his favourite team, Manchester City. Manager and former Saints star Kevin Keegan and England international Trevor Sinclair are among those he has met at matches in the past few months.

Matthew's teacher Sheelagh Pickard, two of his nurses and a number of his father's work colleagues at the National Air Traffic Services at Swanwick will also be among dozens of members of the cycling team.

The riders, who have been hard in training since April, have raised £2,512.64 so far with another £1,200 pledged in sponsorship.

Matthew's classmates were too young to join the main event so they organised their own ride around the school field.

About 100 pupils, parents and staff took part raising more than £1,000.

Mr Donnelly, of Meadow Avenue, said: "The nurses are brilliant and always make us feel so welcome. It's starting to really kick off and Matt thinks it's all great.

"He's a very brave boy and it is hoped that he will be back to normal by next February or March."

Minibus and van drivers, route markers and first aiders will help support the team during the ride.

To sponsor the team, visit www.therideforlife.co.uk.