THE family of a Newport hit-and-run victim who died in Dubai are organising a bicycle ride in aid of a charity set up in his memory.

On the first anniversary of Tom Bassett’s tragic death in the Middle Eastern city, 40 cyclists will be hoping to raise £20,000.

The REST charity was set up by his parents Steve and Linda after their 30-year-old son was killed whilst on holiday with friends last May.

It is a repatriation support charity set up to help Welsh families who lose loved ones abroad and who have to undergo the same harrowing ideal they endured.

The cost of bringing him back home was nearly £7,000 and they faced problems with their travel insurance company and with bureaucracy in the United Arab Emirates.

Matt Hiscox, 40, who manages the Carpenters Arms, Coed-y-Paen, near Pontypool, is married to Nikola, the sister of Tom’s partner Stacey.

He is taking part in the four-day, 137-mile bike ride from Chester to Newport, which sets off early next month, to raise money for REST.

Mr Hiscox said: “Tom was like a brother to me, that’s why I call him my brother-in-law. He was about the most perfect person you could imagine.

“His death shook all of our families to pieces. Tom’s mum and dad have been working tirelessly on setting up REST since this experience.

“They discovered the difficulty of, and very high upfront cost, of getting a loved one home in these circumstances

"As a result, REST, in Tom’s memory, is nearly ready to start providing help to others.”

Rugby fan Tom, who was originally from Cardiff, worked four days a week as an executive with the Bank of America in Chester, and lived with partner Stacey in Rogerstone.

The charity cycle challenge starts in Cheshire on Friday, May 4 and finishes on Monday, May 7 at the Tiny Rebel Brewing company bar in the Newport village.

Mr Hiscox added: “If anyone would like to sponsor me, there is sheet on the bar at Carpenters Arms.

“As a thank you to all who do, I will also be giving away a £50 voucher for the Carpenters in a hat draw to one of the sponsors.”

On the REST website, it says: “Tom was an incredible person that touched, and still touches, so many lives.

“Anyone that knew Tom would describe him as a beautiful, happy and inspirational person that lived life to the fullest every day.

“His love for music, travelling and life in general was infectious and inspired those around him.

“It is fondly remembered that Tom was always keen to take friends and colleagues under his wing and mentor/guide them through life and work.”

For more information about REST, and to find more details on how you can donate, please visit their website: www.repatriationtrust.org