A BROTHER and sister from Abingdon are taking on a 141km (88 mile) bike ride and marathon walk to raise money in memory of their mother.

Anne-Marie Lanham, of Audlett Drive, passed away in December last year from breast cancer.

The 55-year-old spent five weeks being looked after by Sobell House Hospice.

Now her children Ben and Francesca Lanham have chosen to complete the physical challenge to fundraise for the charity that helped her.

Mr Lanham, 31, said: “We spent a lot of our time at the hospice with our mum, and we were really struck by the support from those who worked there.

“The care the staff and volunteers provide is vital and makes the most difficult of times more bearable.

“Breast cancer can be cruel and research into alternative treatments and providing care for patients is vital. We wanted to be able to do something to help other families that may have to go through difficult times.”

Mrs Lanham, a former teacher at Abingdon & Witney College, was diagnosed with cancer in 2008. She was an active member of Christ Church in Abingdon, and volunteered for the Abingdon Bridge Project.

Mr Lanham said: “Our mum was always thinking about other people and friends and family were most important to her.

“It was a very difficult time but mum always appreciated the care she received.”

Today the pair will be cycling 100km from Abingdon through Windsor and Marlow.

They will be joined by their aunt Kath Lanham and friends Rachel Norris, Andrew Key and Mark Ellis for the challenge.

They will then walk 26 miles (41km) tomorrow as part of Action Against Breast Cancer’s Breast Walk Ever.

Starting at Abingdon, they will walk along the Thames bank riverside towards Reading.

Mr Lanham, of Foster Road, in Abingdon, said: “We wanted to do something that was a bit of a challenge”

Miss Lanham, 29, set up a Just Giving page that has raised nearly £4,000 so far.

Visit justgiving.com/bike100walk26.