Head Boy Luke Pomfrett was so moved by the plight of five-year-old Niamh Curry that he decided to do something to help and when he suggested the fundraising bike ride to other sixth formers, there was no shortage of volunteers.

Niamh, who lives in Wellingborough, was diagnosed with the rare and aggressive cancer, neuroblastoma, two years ago. Earlier this year, the Niamh's Next Step appeal was set up to raise £450,000 to send Niamh to America so she can receive treatment that is not available in the UK.

Luke (pictured front right) is hoping he and the rest of the cyclists - Aaron Poulter, Connor Beardsley, Ahmed Abdulsamad, Sam Barker, Lewis Robinson and a former KSA student - will raise around £500 to add to the appeal.

They are setting off from Deeble Road tomorrow at 8am and estimate they will arrive in Wisbech in about eight hours, including stop-offs.

Luke's dad will be driving the support car and will take the boys' kit so they can camp overnight in Wisbech before completing the return journey on Saturday.

Luke said: "I wanted to help because this is a little girl who lives locally and she's fighting cancer - I've met her once and you wouldn't know what she's going through. She's a very happy little girl and we know exactly where all the money is going.

"For a group that doesn't really cycle, we thought 100 miles was do-able, although I think it's only just sunk in how far it is. It's meant to rain both days but we've just got to get on with it and we're looking forward to it."

The route will take the students through the villages to Oundle, around the outskirts of Peterborough to Whittlesey and then on to Wisbech.

For more details on Niamh's Next Step appeal visit www.niamhsnextstep.com.