SPURRED on by memories of his late teenage daughter, the father of tragic Connie Moore pedalled through Purbeck in a bid help another young girl battling terminal illness.

Popular Connie was 16 years old and studying towards her GCSEs at Bournemouth School for Girls when she died of meningitis in January last year.

Her dad, 38-year-old Mark Smith, told the Daily Echo he is still regularly reduced to tears when he thinks of Connie and used her as his inspiration during the LM Ride in aid of Cancer Research on Saturday.

For the 33-mile cycle Mark decided to wear a t-shirt adorned with a photo of his friend’s daughter, eight-year-old Lexi Hopkin from Wool, who has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.

He said Lexi’s plight has left him deeply moved, that he wants to do whatever he can to help the youngster’s family and is eager to raise awareness of their plight.

“During the ride I was thinking about Connie and I was thinking about what Lexi’s family are going through,” said Mark.

“I feel Connie around me all of the time. This is something Connie would have wanted me to do because that’s the kind of lovely and giving person she was.

“During the ride I kept looking down at my t-shirt and could see Lexi’s face – that really kept me going.”

Lexi's parents were given the heartbreaking news that her brain tumour was terminal in January. Since then they have organised a series of fundraising events to help the little girl live life to the full.

For information of how to help Lexi, visit youcaring.com/family-fundraiser/memories-for-lexi/299423 or facebook.com/groups/1053369594690735/?fref=ts