FRIENDS of a teenager who took his own life are planning a mammoth bike ride in his memory.
Jamie Johnson, 19, of East Leake, died on a family holiday in Turkey in October last year.
He was among seven young people – including his best friend Louis Way, also 19 – with ties with East Leake who committed suicide within the space of 13 months.
Now, East Leake resident Jeff Goddard will cycle 100 miles at this year's Great Notts Bike Ride in Jamie's honour.
The other riders in "Team JJ" will be Mr Goddard's son Luke, 23, daughter Rebecca, 19, and his two friends, Nicky Dyer and Alex Rowe.
The aim is to raise money for suicide prevention scheme The Tomorrow Project, set up by Jamie's mum, Penny Johnson, after his death.
Mr Goddard, 50, said: "We had two young guys from our village take their lives quite close together. Rebecca was good friends with Louis, who I used to coach at football, so we wanted to help.
"It had a massive impact on the village, and then Jamie took his life. I thought it would be nice to do the race in honour of Jamie."
Mrs Johnson, landlady of the Nag's Head pub in East Leake, launched the project in January. She said: "We've had so many people come forward and do things for the project, including Jeff who very kindly came forward. The community has really come together."
Mr Goddard, who coaches East Leake Bantams Junior Football Club, turned to cycling two years ago after having a knee replacement.
He did the Great Notts Bike Ride for the first time last year, completing the 50-mile route.
Mr Goddard added: "I can't play as much football anymore so I really started getting into my cycling, and that's when I came across the Great Notts Bike Ride. It's great and as I've got better I wanted a bigger and better challenge, so that's why I'm pushing myself to do the 100-miler this year."
This year's Great Notts Bike Ride will take place on June 23.
It is the finale to this year's three-day Cycle Live festival at the Victoria Embankment, which starts on June 21.
For details about Cycle Live Nottingham visit www.cyclelivenottingham.co.uk.
Sign up for the Great Notts Bike Ride online at www.cyclelivenottingham.co.uk/sunday.
The Tomorrow Project helpline for young people aged 19 to 24 can be contacted by calling 07594 008356, or e-mailing tomorrow@harmless.org.uk.
