A woman diagnosed with dementia travelled to Majorca to watch her sons, her husband and their friends complete a 75-mile cycle ride to raise money for research.

Brothers Daniel Frankel-Pollen, of Aldenham Road, Radlett, and Simon Frankel-Pollen, of Alexandra Park Road, Muswell Hill, have raised almost £25,000 for the National Brain Appeal.

Their mother, Raena, 65, of Prowse Avenue, Bushey, was diagnosed two years ago with a rare type of Alzheimer’s disease known as PCA, which can affect memory, spatial awareness and spelling.

Their father Nick Frankel-Pollen was among the 23 people who took part in the 75-mile cycle ride on the Mediterranean island on Saturday.

Only their sister, Lisa, 35, who lives in Radlett, was unable to join the team after giving birth last month.

The brothers chose Mallorca because it is renowned as being a ‘Mecca' for cyclists, and is where professionals go to train.

But their own training this winter in the UK was a far cry from the blue skies of the Med.

Daniel, director of Space Residential Estate Agents, in Hale Lane, Edgware, said: “Training was hard – we did some three to four-hour rides in the freezing cold.

“We were all of varying abilities but the team work and cameraderie was such a good feeling and nobody gave up.

“We all knew we were doing it for such a great cause. We had a lot of support. My mum was there and she felt emotional, delighted and proud of all of us.”

During one training ride, Daniel fell off his bike and was left with a dislocated shoulder while his 69-year-old father slipped on ice and cut his face.

But the pair refused to give up and continued to train with their teammates, spending a weekend cycling up steep hills in the Chilterns.

The £25,000 the riders have raised will pay for research at University College Hospital, and a drug trial Mrs Frankel-Pollen is taking part in.

Daniel, a father-of-two, added: “When mum was diagnosed as a family we were sad, but we also came together. We were strong and wanted to raise awareness.

“The ride was tough but we made it. I am so proud of how much money we raised, it’s an amazing figure.”

To sponsor Daniel and Simon Frankel-Pollen visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/cyclemallorcaforpca