A WINCHESTER father who lost his son in a tragic skiing accident in 2013 is now cycling hundreds of miles in his memory.

Cameron Bespolka, 16, died and his investment banker father Kevin was seriously injured when they were buried in a wall of snow in the Alps.

After his death Kevin and his wife Corinne set up a charity, the Cameron Bespolka Trust, to help young people get involved in experiencing, enjoying and studying the natural world. Cameron was a keen amateur birder and naturalist.

Now Kevin, 54, along with seven other riders is taking part in the gruelling Race Across America. They hope to raise money for the trust.

The dedicated team of eight racers and 13 crew come from five countries; the USA, UK, Canada, Austria and Venezuela, and four US states including New York, Utah, Florida and South Carolina.

Included among the crew are two of Cameron’s siblings, Megan 19, and Nicholas Bespolka, 19. The riders will each take turns in riding while the rest of the team follow on behind in a support vehicle.

This Race Across America cycle race is among the toughest in the world because of its 3,070 mile length, from California to Maryland,, the non-stop 24/7 racing format, and the terrain takes in mountain climbs totalling 176,000 vertical feet as well as having extreme weather conditions.

His wife Corinne said: “I am incredibly proud of him and his seven friends to undertake such a huge race and to do it in Cameron’s name.

“It is so poignant for us. We hope to raise as much funds as possible for the trust so that children are able to do what he loved best.”

She added: “We are trying to create a place called Cameron’s Cottage, that will be used as a residential retreat for children. They will be immersed in nature and be able to take part in courses at the cottage. “ Kevin set off on the race last Saturday June 17 and is due to complete it this coming Saturday June 24.

Kevin told the Chronicle: “We are riding through some of the most beautiful and remote parts of America. Being on a bicycle allows you to actually see, hear and feel nature all around you. Much of this you would miss in a car. I was lucky enough to ride through Monument Valley, Arizona at sunrise this morning which was an incredibly beautiful, spiritual and moving experience. Our goal is to raise £250,000 to create Cameron’s Cottage which will be a permanent base for the charity’s work.”

Corinne and her youngest daughter Sienna, 16, will be meeting Kevin at the finishing post in Annapolis, Maryland.

If you wish to donate see the website here: www.cameronbespolka.com/raam#donate.

There is a memorial bench for Cameron above Plague Pits Valley near St Catherine’s Hill