A GOOD Samaritan has completed a huge cycling challenge to raise funds for teenagers with cancer.

Dave Wallace, from Halstead, took on the challenging Welsh Dragon Ride at the end of September in the name of a 16-year-old with cancer.

The teenager, a son of Dave’s family friends, had discovered a lump in his neck almost overnight.

Having just completed his GCSEs Freddy Osborn, from Sudbury, had been gearing up to start work over the summer holidays.

He had also just been given a place at West Suffolk College and was looking forward to start studying catering in the next step toward his dream of becoming a chef.

After a number of tests, Freddy was diagnosed with cancer on his 16th birthday.

Halstead Gazette: Freddy in hospital on his 16th birthday - the day he was diagnosed with cancerFreddy in hospital on his 16th birthday - the day he was diagnosed with cancer

Following more tests it was confirmed he was suffering from Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of blood cancer.

Thanks to the quick diagnosis, the youngster was given the best chance of making a full recovery.

He started his first round of chemotherapy on the C9 Teenage Cancer Trust Unit at Addenbrooke’s in July this year.

Dave said: “The C9 Teenage Cancer Trust Unit at Addenbrooke’s Hospital does a fantastic job of supporting children with cancer and their families, during what is a very difficult and emotional time.”

The trust tries to make the stays of young patients on the unit as comfortable and close to normal as possible.

The specialist unit relies on donations to provide its care and support.

Dave, 48, decided to take on the cycling challenge to raise vital funds for the charity.

This consisted of a whopping 157km including 7,000 ft of climbing through the Brecon Beacons.

He said: “It was by far the hardest challenge I’ve undertaken but knowing it was for such a good cause and in the name of such an inspirational young man made it a must to complete.”

He finished the ride in nine hours and 12 minutes, including food stops and a mechanical issue.

His fundraiser for the cancer charity has smashed its £750 target, and so far Dave has raised £4,827 with the help of more than 200 supporters.

The big-hearted cyclist hopes this will help the Teenage Cancer Trust continue to make a difference to the lives of children and teenagers like Freddy and his family.

To donate visit JustGiving.com/fundraising/Freddys-story.