A FAMILY who set off on the tough task of pedalling from Salford to Warrington and back again ahead of their matches on Friday said they had the memory of their generous uncle to inspire them along the way.

Avid Salford fan Neil Rimmer, from Lymm, lost his battle with prostate cancer on July 20 this year aged 75.

His family in Longbarn were determined to raise awareness in his memory and were delighted the bike ride smashed their £500 fundraising target for Prostate Cancer UK.

Jane Vance, Neil’s sister, added: “Neil married the love of his life Susan 18 years ago and became part of our family who are all Wire fans so as you can imagine the banter.

“He used to work at Snooker’s that was attached to Wilderspool and then later became part of a group that helped residents in care homes in Lymm village taking them out and offering comfort.

“He was a selfless man that would do anything for anybody which is what inspired my son James to organise the fundraiser in honour of Neil in the space of three weeks.”

The group of cyclists, including Jane’s sons James, aged 21, Jack, aged 16, her husband Steven and nephew Scott, were welcomed on to the pitch at Salford before their game on Friday after making it to the Halliwell Jones and back again.

The group have so far raised more than £1,300 after the Royal Mail in Birchwood, where Steven works, said they would match his fundraising total.

Jane added: “I’m absolutely ecstatic and couldn’t be prouder of them all.

“I think if Neil had been here he would have had a smile on his face seeing a family of Warrington fans sat in Salford’s stadium.

“It was an emotional day but the reaction from the clubs and the generosity of people has been fantastic.”

To donate, visit justgiving.com/bikerideforneil2014jimmyjackandstevenvance