THE memory of a inspirational teacher is to be honoured by her nephew as he embarks on a charity challenge.

Mary Nolan had worked at St Mary’s RC Primary School in Clayton-le-Moors for 26 years and became head in 2014, before dying in February this year.

The 63-year-old was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was unable to return to school after the Christmas holidays.

Now her nephew, Danny Nolan, is set to take on a 250-mile cross country cycle challenge from London to their hometown of Waterfoot to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer UK in her memory.

Mr Nolan, 28, said: "I just felt a bit helpless with everything that happened.

"She was a big part of my life and a big part of the life of the whole community.

"It came as such a massive shock what happened to her.

"She was brilliant, she was always helpful and put other people first.

"I wanted to do something for the family and set myself a bit of a challenge doing it."

Miss Nolan was deputy headteacher for several years before becoming acting head in 2013.

Her nephew will be starting the challenge in London where he currently lives and works as a marketing executive on September 21.

The 250-mile cycle ride will then take place over three days before coming to an end in Waterfoot, where he and Miss Nolan both lived.

He is doing the challenge alongside schoolfriend Zac Sabatino, who also knew Miss Nolan.

The pair met at Fearns Community Sports College and the pair will provide support for each other as they embark on the challenge.

Mr Nolan has been training three days a week ahead of the mammoth trek and is looking to step up his preparations.

He said: "I'd only just got a bike when I decided to do it a couple of months ago, it's a crazy challenge.

"I've never done anything like this before in my life. Training is tough but its all for a good cause.

"We just want to raise as much money as possible. She was so devoted to all her nieces and nephews."

So far around £500 has been raised and he has already raised the online fundraising target from £1,000 to £2,000.

Mr Nolan is eager for anyone to get in touch to help with the challenge or who knew his auntie.

Email him at danny.nolan89@gmail.com.

Donate at justgiving.com/fundraising/danny-nolan-mary.