The mother of a young man who died in a hit and run incident in Cambridge has spoken of her pride in his friends after they organised a charity cycle in his name.

Alex Jeffery from Melbourn tragically died after he was struck by a car back in November.

Now his friends and brother Ollie plan to cycle all the way from Bournemouth to his home to raise funds for the hospital unit that cared for the 21-year-old.

His mother Wendy Jeffery said: “I’m really proud of his friends for arranging this. It’s a brilliant thing to do.”

Alex suffered severe head injuries after he was hit by the car, and spent a week in Addenbrooke’s Hospital’s neurological critical care unit before sadly passing away from his injuries.

Wendy said: “The staff at Addenbrooke’s work very hard. They did so much for Alex.

“The cycle is the type of thing Alex would have done for somebody else. He would always look out for his friends.

“He used to go and support his mates when they played football. He’s left a hole in their friendship.”

The cyclists, including Josh Sewell, brother Ollie Jeffery, Ryan Deards, Ben Cullen and Jamie Gordon, have known each other since primary school and have remained firm friends ever since.

Josh said: “We would like to thank the local community for the support we have had.

“Also special thanks to Rod Yallop, a family friend of ours who has helped plan the ride.”

The 160 mile ride for Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust will begin on Thursday, August 20, setting off from Bournemouth seafront, and the team aim to finish at Alex’s house on the following Saturday, August 22.

The group are riding from Bournemouth as Alex would regularly make the trip down to see his girlfriend there.

A keen rugby player, Alex was an electrician studying for a HND qualification at Bedford College.

Wendy said: “He was very outgoing, very caring and very sensible, really grown up.

“He would look after his younger brother Ollie. They were very close.”

If you would like to donate to the fundraiser, visit https://www.justgiving.com/alexjeffery/.