THE father of a terminally ill boy has thanked the dads taking on a mountain challenge in his honour.

Toby Langton-Gilks’s son David, 16, only has weeks to live after another recurrence of brain cancer.

Twelve dads, including seven from David’s former school, are now taking on the Three Peaks Challenge.

They are trying to raise £10,000 for the Moordown-based Round Table Children’s Wish. The charity paid for David to have a surfing holiday in Cornwall – a special request that helped him endure his treatment.

Toby, from Fontmell Magna, said: “We have such happy memories of the holiday – memories that will stay with us for the rest of our lives.

“When medical science has done its best, this charity’s work is crucial.

“We’re so delighted that the Fontmell Three Peaks challenge will be raising some much-needed funds for a small charity that makes such a really big difference.”

David, the eldest of three children, was first diagnosed five years ago and has relapsed several times.

Seven of the 12 fundraisers have children at St Andrew’s in Fontmell Magna.

James Donald, a Bournemouth University press officer and member of the team, said: “Every time I speak to Toby he emphasises how important the charity was to his family and what amazing work they do.”

Mum Sacha Langton-Gilks has joined the HeadSmart campaign.

She has been delivering special cards to primary schools in North Dorset, hoping to make more families aware of the symptoms.

The fundraisers have to climb the highest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland over 24 hours starting on June 22.

For more information visit fontmell3peaks.com.

• Lance Armstrong, who won the Tour De France seven times after surviving testicular cancer, made a personal video message to David.

The video has been uploaded to Sacha’s Facebook page and is publicly viewable.

Lance, who has raised tens of millions of pounds for charity with his ‘Livestrong’ message, says: “Hey David, it’s Lance Armstrong here. I have heard about your situation from many, many people.

“You must be one special guy, loved by so many. I wanted to send you a short video to let you know I am thinking about you and pulling for you.

“Anything I can do to help you or anything my foundation can do to help, please let us know, that’s what we are here for.

“Hang in there man, Livestrong.”