​Scott Nelson from Midlothian will be cycling over 90 miles for Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity in memory of his son Christopher

The father of a young Scot who died suddenly will be cycling over 90 miles to raise money for Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity in honour of his son.

Christopher Nelson was just 24 when he passed away in 2015. Since then his family, from Eskbank in Midlothian, have been constantly fundraising for Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity and have so far raised nearly £25,000.

On 10 September his father Scott and some friends will cycle between Scotland’s two largest cities to raise money for the charity as part of Pedal for Scotland’s Big Belter bike ride.

Christopher’s mother Donna has also been fundraising for the charity, completing Tough Mudder and arranging a 10,000 foot skydive in memory of her son.

Scott said: “ECHC was Christopher’s chosen charity and supported him when he was in hospital as a boy, so the family and our friends have been doing all sorts of mad challenges to raise money.”

Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity supports the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (RHSC). A new hospital will be opening in Little France in Edinburgh, and the money the Nelsons have raised so far will go towards funding an improved bedside environment for patients there.

This will include features such as WiFi and Smart TVs to give access to Skype as well as creating a personal feel for families and helping reduce stress and anxiety for young patients.

Scott added: “When Christopher was younger, he was constantly in and out of A&E at the RHSC with different sporting injuries, and in some cases he was bed ridden, but he was such an active child he found it difficult to stay in bed.

“ECHC supplied him with a games console which they brought to him so he could play it without having to get up. It made the world of difference not only to him but to us. He spent his first night away from home there and he was so at ease, he even thought he had been staying at a hotel which made us laugh.

“We’re so grateful to everyone for their continued support in helping us keep Christopher's memory alive, and in aid of such a fantastic cause. It means everything to us.”

Sue Diamond, community fundraising manager at ECHC, said: “We are so grateful and honoured to be chosen as Christopher’s charity.

“The money raised will have a huge impact on the lives of young patients and their families and make a phenomenal difference during their time at the new hospital.”

Registration is still available for any of the three Pedal for Scotland events raising money for ECHC.