A Welling lad who lost his mum to “evil” cancer in a “heart-breaking” and un-expected death will be scaling the Alps for a mammoth 100-mile-a-day cycling challenge.

Karen Baker, who worked at BHS in Bexleyheath Broadway Shopping Centre for 17 years, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer after developing back ache.

Tragically, she died in May 2013, after just seven months of fighting the disease.

Her son Darren Baker and his friend Tom Major, from Dartford, are now biking 1,000 miles in just 10 days to fundraise for Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice, who cared for Karen at the end of her life, and Pancreatic Cancer UK.

They set off on July 19, cycling along part of the Tour de France route and the Mediterranean coast to Monte Carlo in the stifling summer heat.

Darren, 27, said: “As with all cancers, early detection is crucial but with pancreatic cancer there are no obvious symptoms so a person can seem outwardly perfectly healthy.

“That’s what made it even more heart-breaking. Mum always kept herself so fit and to look at her no-one would have known she was so ill.

“At the end of her battle, mum was cared for by the most dedicated and remarkable staff who treated her with such kindness, respect and dignity.

“They were such a support to her and to us as a family, and we could never begin to thank them enough for making her final days more comfortable.

“That’s why we want the funds we raise to go directly to the hospice and to Pancreatic Cancer UK, which is committed to fighting this evil disease by raising awareness, carrying out research and providing support.

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Tom (left) and Darren (right) with Rebecca Keen

“Whenever we are cycling and our legs want to stop or our bums get sore, thinking about the money we are raising to help other families and individuals at a time when it is most needed, is what keeps us going.”

Hilariously, neither of the mad pair, who met as pupils at Cleeve Park School in Sidcup, speak French – despite the fact that they are travelling alone.

Tom, a surveyor of Baker Crescent, only got his bike for Christmas, and has been cycling for the first time since his teens this year.

Committed Darren, a plumber who lives in Gloucester Avenue, said: “Mum would have burst out laughing.

“She would have told us outright we were crazy to even think we could do something like this – but she would have got behind us and been very proud.

“We have both taken time off work to do the ride, so it has to be completed in 10 days no matter what.

“We aim to finish outside the famous Monte Carlo casino and before that we hope to do a circuit around the streets, following the route of the Monte Carlo Formula One Grand Prix.

“Neither of us have been to Monaco before, so it will be a real treat for us after such a long ride.”

Paying tribute to Mrs Baker, who left behind husband Geoff, her colleague and former manager Rebecca Keen said: “We all remember Karen as a lively and vibrant person full of life, and a pleasure to work with.

“Karen would be so proud of (the boys).”

Broadway Shopping Centre manager Peter Sedge said: “More research is desperately needed to fight pancreatic cancer, and we have long supported the hospice.

“The service it provides is invaluable. Every promise of sponsorship to Darren and Tom contributes to securing its future.”

The boys have already raised £3,500. To donate, click here.