FRIENDS of a popular sports teacher who died of leukaemia have completed a two-day bike ride in his memory.

The seven-strong team, who have all been involved in professional football, took part in the 140-mile challenge to remember Eddie Gregg, a PE teacher at The Ridings High School in Winterbourne, now Winterbourne International Academy.

Eddie, from Oldland Common, was a talented footballer who played for Loughborough University. After graduating, he worked as a PE teacher at The Ridings but was diagnosed with leukaemia in April 2000 and died four months later in August, aged just 24.

Ten years on and his university friends teamed up to cycle from Eddie’s home town to Loughborough in a gruelling two-day trek to raise money for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

The group includes Tony Strudwick, fitness coach for Manchester United’s 1st team, Chris Jones, fitness coach at Chelsea, and ex-professional footballers Tom Curtis (Portsmouth, Chesterfield, Notts County, Chester City, Mansfield Town), Lee Margerison (Bradford City), Liam Kane (Leicester City), Joe Whibley (Peterborough United) and Chris Kerr (Chesterfield ).

Lee Margerison, Eddie’s close friend, said: "Eddie had a real zest for life and a fantastic personality. He had a real passion and talent for sport, which inspired him to study, train and qualify as a physical education teacher. It was this passion for sport that brought us all together at Loughborough and we thought cycling would be the ideal way to remember Eddie.

"Leukemia took Eddie’s life at such a tender age and we’re determined to raise as much money as possible to continue funding research. We know that money we raise will help individuals in the future to beat blood cancers."

During the cycle, essential support was provided by friends, family members and Eddie's father Alan. He said: "It is a great sense of support to know that the lads have such fond memories of Eddie."

After completing their cycling challenge last Tuesday, the group will continue fundraising for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research by taking part in Loughborough University’s Alumni five-a-side football tournament on June 12. To support the group visit www.justgiving.com/eddiegregg