Ride over the Rockies in memory of Cara, 14

Tom, 60, will cycle through the Canadian Rockies later this month to raise funds for the Cara Weaver Fund.

Cara, 14, died in a cable car accident in 2001 while on holiday with her parents and brother in South Africa.

The Wey Valley School pupil had visited the first of Tom's blues summer schools for talented young musicians and following her death a fund was set up to provide bursaries for other youngsters to attend.

Tom, who has just retired from his job as a higher education consultant, said: "Cara was a talented musician, her death was an enormous blow to her family and friends, and a loss to the local music community.

"The Cara Weaver Fund was founded with the aim of raising money to support young people in achieving their ambitions - musical, sporting and educational.

"I've wanted to do this ride since I first saw people cycling in the Rockies while driving through them in 1989. I'd now like to use my bike to try and put some money back into the fund so that it can help more young people."

Tom will personally meet the £2,000 costs of the nine-day trip but is looking for people to sponsor him.

He is due to take to the saddle on August 23 and has the full support of Cara's family.

He said: "Most of the journey will be on the roads and the longest day will cover about 85 miles, I expect it to be difficult but rewarding."

The Cara Weaver Fund has provided bursaries for young people to attend blues summer schools over the last five years and helped launch the Big Girls Blues' singing project for local women in 2005.

All money raised will go directly to the fund.

n If you are interested in sponsoring Tom, send your pledge to Gilly Weaver, Grove House, Osmington, DT3 6EZ, or email Gilly.Weaver@ btinternet.com Cheques can be sent to Mandy Cockwell, The Wey Valley School, Dorchester Rd, DT3 5AN. Cash/cheques (payable to the Cara Weaver Fund) can be deposited at the HSBC Bank, St Mary's Street, Weymouth