Bike ride to Arsenal in memory of local man

A group of people will cycle from Ludlow, Shropshire, to Arsenal's Emirates stadium in London in memory of a local 18-year-old.

Alex Elder died suddenly in his sleep in September last year.

Family friend Charlotte Chubb said he was a huge Gunners fan - which was why she had the idea to ride the 170 miles across five days in August.

"I know nothing is going to take away the pain and grief, but I just felt like we could do something to honour his memory, if you like," she told the BBC.

"He was just a really nice lad, not a wild teenager - he had loads of friends… just a real decent lad."

She became friends with Elder's mum, Jill, many years ago, when Chubb's daughter and Elder were both in hospital with health issues as young children.

"Life ticked along, and two weeks after his 18th birthday he just died in his sleep," she said.

"It was really tragic.

"In the weeks following that, myself and Jill would sit on a bench in Ludlow and cry and hug, and I had this seed of an idea that I wanted to do something."

The challenge will see Chubb and a group of others, including Elder's sister, cycle about 30 to 40 miles per day, starting on 5 August and reaching the stadium on 9 August.

"I got in touch with Arsenal, and all being well if there's no fixtures, they're going to welcome us in for a pitch side photo," she said.

"I'd like everyone to know about it, the family are so lovely and genuine and well-liked by everyone in the community, it would just be a really lovely way to remember Alex."

The ride will raise money Birmingham Children's Hospital, where Elder was treated for epilepsy and had brain surgery as a child, and Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool, where Chubb's daughter was looked after for her own health issues.

Training is already under way, Chubb said: "We've been out in the rain and cold throughout February… trying to do weekend rides when the weather allows."

"I would just like his family to feel everyone's thinking about them… we all still think about him and them all the time."

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