BEFORE a brain tumour took its cruel grip on Daniel Havell, he told best pal Karl Bradwell not to forget him.

Daniel was given just nine months to live when diagnosed aged 18.

He defied the odds, but lost his five-year fight for life on February 6 – Karl’s birthday.

Karl is now honouring his promise and has organised a 280- mile bike ride for Clic Sargeant cancer fund.

Karl, 23, of Stanway, said: “It was hard to take in the beginning, but now I have something to share with him on my birthday.”

Karl and Daniel met as children at Stanway Fiveways Primary School and they stayed firm friends into their teens at Stanway School.

He said: “We were really close, we weren’t ever apart. We were always at each other’s houses.”

Karl said supporting Daniel through his illness until he died aged 23, was tough. But Daniel insisted on making the most of life.

He said: “We tried to keep strong for him. He didn’t want to give up anything he could do.

“When he got to the end, it was pretty hard to see.”

Daniel loved cycling with Karl and chose their favourite comedy series Gavin and Stacey, which is set in the Welsh seaside resort of Barry Island, as the destination for their cycling challenge.

Ten of Daniel’s former school friends and family including Daniel’s brother, Josh, 25, are also taking part in the ride.

Their support vehicle will be manned by Karl’s girlfriend Charlotte Barker and Daniel’s stepsister Ellis Havell.

The group, who have called themselves Team Smav, set off from Colchester at 7am yesterday and aim to cycle between 60 and 80 miles a day.

They will camp each night, and hope to reach their destination on Thursday.

Karl explained that Smav was Daniel’s nickname during his secondary school years.

You can sponsor them at www.justgiving.com/teams/TeamSmav