THE memory of a cyclist who died after a collision with a HGV will live on after his friends pledged to fundraise every year for a cause close to his heart.

David Holman, from Northwich, died on July 13 after following the collision on the eastbound carriageway of the A556, Manchester Road, in Plumley.

He was pronounced dead at the scene. He was 38.

Prior to his death, Dave had done various fundraising activities for Tiny Steps, a children’s charity in Northwich. Tiny Steps were also the nominated charity at Dave’s funeral.

Dave was due to take part in a 37-mile football themed walk, originally titled #4stadiums14hours, with a group of friends.

The event went ahead but was renamed the Dave Holman Challenge after receiving the family’s blessing.

Laura Clifton, from Tiny Steps, said: “As a colleague and friend we were deeply saddened but proud to have the name Dave Holman for the challenge.

“As a person who was so giving and was such a strong advocate for those most vulnerable we know he would be so proud about what has been achieved.”

The group began the walk from Anfield in Liverpool, walking across Stanley Park to the home of Everton FC.

They then walked to Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United, and then onto their city rivals ground the Etihad, the home of Manchester City.

Many of the members of the group were close to Dave, and many were old schoolmates.

Scott Burstow, who went to Rudheath High School with Dave, said: “We all wore Tiny Steps T-shirts and we made a special T-shirt with Dave’s name on the back.

“We left it at the Old Trafford because he was a big Manchester United fan. We laid the T-shirt below the Bobby Charlton, George Best and Denis Law statue. That was a nice touch.”

The event managed to raise £19,000 for Tiny Steps.

Scott said: “It was a day full of mixed emotions. We went through every emotion there is. It was really tough. Some people who were really close to Dave found it hard.

“The main emotion was feeling proud in terms of what we had achieved. We were all really proud.

“It is officially the biggest fundraising event for Tiny Steps ever.

“I know Dave would have been proud.”

The Dave Holman Challenge will take place on the last weekend of July each year, and will be a different challenge every year.

To find out more about Tiny Steps visit tiny-steps.co.uk