SEVENTEEN cyclists took on a mammoth bike ride from Warrington to Newcastle in memory of their friend who died last year

Starting from Palmyra Square on Friday morning the group began their three-day challenge up north for Mind, the mental health charity, in memory of Jonathan Rowlands.

The 45-year-old, originally from Grappenhall, was living in Newcastle where he attended university to study chemical engineering.

The group of friends he met more than 25 years ago joined forces to complete the ride in his honour.

WATCH: Cyclists set off for bike ride in memory of Jonathan Rowlands

Following a battle with depression, dad-of-one Jonathan, a commercial director and former Bridgewater High pupil, took his own life in September.

Leaving from his hometown of Warrington on Friday, Jonathan's mum Margaret waved the cyclists off on the first-leg of their ride to Preston.

She said: "When my husband died, Jon just took over – he was so caring.

"He was good, a clever lad, compassionate.

"It's going back 27 years when he and his friends all started at university and it is lovely because some of their wives have also come today.

"They all loved him to bits and it is just so emotional seeing everyone here."

Led by friend Andy Williamson, the Ride the Rocket challenge will raise funds for Mind who provide advice and support to anyone suffering with mental health problems.

The pledge target was originally set at £5,000 but, more than £12,500 has been raised across the riders' individual fundraising pages to date.

Andy described his and Jonathan's friendship as 'an inseparable bond', calling him 'one of life's good guys'.

Speaking about Jonathan on his fundraising page, Andy said: "He was a cherished friend, father and the most loyal person you could ever meet.

"We shared an inseparable bond that started at Newcastle University more than 25 years ago and we shared so many happy memories.

"It will always be difficult to fathom how such an intelligent and much-loved person could be taken from us so quickly."

Donations can be made at justgiving.com/companyteams/jonrowlands