Teammates of a former rugby player from Marlow who sadly lost his battle to cancer aged just 29 last year are set to take on a 650-mile bike ride in his memory.

Henley Hawks star James Comben sadly died on August 5 after being diagnosed in 2017 with t-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma, a rare type of blood cancer.

He died just two months after he married his partner, Elle Thomson.

Mr Comben, who attended Desborough College, in Maidenhead, found out his cancer had returned after being given the all-clear following nine months of chemotherapy.

The pair moved their wedding forward, planning it in just four days after receiving the devastating news.

They married at St Mary the Virgin Church, in Hambleden, on June 3, and hosted their reception at The Bounty, in Bourne End, with a number of Mr Comben’s former Henley Rugby Club teammates invited to celebrate the couple’s special day.

Now, his friends and teammates are planning to cycle 650 miles in six days for Bloodwise (formerly Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research) as James was supported by them through his treatment.

Simon Perry, who will do the ride with fellow ex-Hawk Tom Allen as well as James’ brother Anthony Allen, Leicester Tigers and England centre, said: “We played with James for a combined total of over 14 years and we felt it would be a fitting tribute to dedicate a charity cycle ride of our very own to his memory and raise money for the charity that supported him and his family through his courageous fight, Bloodwise.

“Our other charity partner that we wish to support is the well-known rugby charity, Restart.”

James’ tumour was discovered during a routine scan after he suffered a neck injury while playing, and he started a gruelling treatment, which Mr Perry said was “fought bravely right until the very end”.

Speaking about the cycle ride, Mr Perry said: “We have played all over the country in the national leagues with Henley, and so we have come up with a custom route to incorporate as many clubs as possible, which runs from the furthest west in Redruth, to the furthest east in Canterbury, before a grand finale at Henley Rugby Club.

“The total distance is over 650 miles covered in six days – a challenge as arduous as the famous Lands End to John O’Groats ride, but with a National League rugby twist.”

The group will start on May 27 in Redruth, Cornwall, and finish in Henley-on-Thames on June 1.

They are hoping to raise more than £10,000 for Bloodwise and have so far raised £3,755.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rideforcombo.