TWO Somerset boys have gone the extra mile in saddling up to raise more than £1500 in memory of their grandfather who died of brain cancer.

Mostyn and Benji, aged nine and seven, tackled their longest-ever cycle when they rode along the Bristol to Bath cycle path on July 20.

Growing up in Frome, the pair were cycling to raise money for Brain Tumour Research after their grandfather, Alan Brooks, died of the disease 20 years ago.

The boys’ mother Lindsey, said: “Losing someone you love to a brain tumour can feel like a very powerless situation.

“Whilst obviously, we can’t bring Dad back, the boys wanted to help stop other people from going through the same situation.

“Mostyn’s due date was 10 years to the day Dad died, and then he was born on the anniversary of his funeral, so I’ve always felt there was some bizarre connection between them.”

Alan was 55 when he was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM). After many years spent as a farmer, Alan was just starting to "take life easier" when he suffered a sudden seizure.

Despite three operations, the high-grade tumour proved too aggressive, and he sadly passed away, aged 58.

Alan Brooks sadly passed away from his brain tumour 20 years ago, at the age of 58.  (Image: PA)

Twenty years on, Alan’s family was determined to mark the anniversary of his passing by supporting Brain Tumour Research.

Whilst the boys never met their grandfather, the ride became a way for the boys to connect to him, according to their mum.

To donate to the boys’ cause you can visit their JustGiving page.

Mostyn said: “I had the best day ever! It feels good to raise so much money and I know my grandad would be proud of us.”

Benji added: “It was really fun. First, we were aiming for £700, then £1,000, but it just kept going up!”

Louise Aubrey, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “We are blown away by Mostyn and Benji’s fantastic achievements. Both in completing this ride and raising so much money to help fund the fight against this devastating disease.

“Tragically, brain tumours kill more men under 70 than prostate cancer, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated since 2002.

“With fundraising support like Mostyn and Benji’s, we hope to prevent brain cancer from stopping more young children from growing up without their loved ones around them.”