By Saul Cooke-Black

A FAMILY friend of a well-known gardener who died of cancer in December is cycling from Plymouth to Frocester Cricket Club in his memory.

Lee Kimber, from Frocester, died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 47, leaving behind twin boys Louis and Bailey, aged 17, nine-year-old daughter Lily and wife Joanne.

Joanne's cousin, Lee Viggers, will cycle from his home in Plymouth to Frocester Beer Festival on Saturday to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund with his friend Simon Millmore.

Mr Viggers said: "Myself and Simon are both keen cyclists but this sort of mileage in one day will be a huge challenge.

"We are hoping to complete it in 12 hours and will be starting at 6am.

"Lee loved the cricket club and the music festival.

"Ending up there seems a fitting tribute to a lovely, friendly and very missed man.

"He loved life and lived it to the full, and though he fought long and hard against this awful disease he passed away at home with his family."

A fundraiser at Frocester Cricket Club organised by wife Joanne raised more than £200 for the same charity earlier this year.

Joanne added: "Lee was a rough diamond who said what he thought but he also had a soft side.

"He was a loving father, wonderful husband and a friend to many.

"It would be our 20th wedding anniversary this year.

"Lee's death has left a void in all our lives."

Anybody who wants to donate should visit www.virginmoneygiving.com and search for Lee Kimber.