Cyclists gathered to pay tribute to a "keen and lively" mountain biker who died following a cardiac arrest while out on a ride.

More than 250 people took to Thetford Forest on Sunday, December 5 to celebrate Jason Nunn's life and to take part in a special memorial ride in honour of what he "loved and enjoyed".

Mr Nunn, 48, from Thetford, who was a member of HKR XC Team, was riding in High Lodge on Saturday, November 13 and suffered a cardiac arrest.

Eastern Daily Press: Cyclists will pay tribute to Jason Nunn, who died while out riding in Thetford ForestCyclists will pay tribute to Jason Nunn, who died while out riding in Thetford Forest (Image: Jason Nunn family)

His friends carried out CPR before emergency services arrived on scene, which involved an East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) land next to the incident in the forest.

Two units from the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST), a doctor, and a critical care paramedic also attended the scene.

Chris Harley, organiser of the memorial ride and friend of Mr Nunn, said he was "over the moon" over how many people gathered to show their support.

Eastern Daily Press: Chris Harley, organiser of the memory ride for Jason Nunn, speaking before the event begins. Picture: Danielle BoodenChris Harley, organiser of the memory ride for Jason Nunn, speaking before the event begins. Picture: Danielle Booden (Image: Archant 2021)

Mr Nunn's wife, Kim, also thanked Mr Harley for his efforts in organising the event, all those that gathered, supporters and emergency service crews "who did everything they could to help" her husband on the day.

She said: "J was a very keen mountain biker, today is for him.

"He's definitely here with us in spirit - he'd never want to miss out.

"In fact knowing J, he's already garmented up and gone the minute I started talking.

Eastern Daily Press: Kim, wife of Jason Nunn, speaking at the memory ride at Thetford Forest. Picture: Danielle BoodenKim, wife of Jason Nunn, speaking at the memory ride at Thetford Forest. Picture: Danielle Booden (Image: Archant 2021)

"Thanks everyone, it means a lot."

Mr Nunn's family including his father led the ride in support of the EAAA, followed by members of the HKR team, cyclists and families.

Stephen Walsh, who used to race with Mr Nunn, said taking part in the ride was a "fitting tribute to what he loved and enjoyed".

Eastern Daily Press: Cyclists gathered at Thetford Forest ready to head out on a bike ride in memory of Jason Nunn. Picture: Danielle BoodenCyclists gathered at Thetford Forest ready to head out on a bike ride in memory of Jason Nunn. Picture: Danielle Booden (Image: Archant 2021)

Joe Dowsing, critical care paramedic, who responded to the incident in November, said the air ambulance flight from Cambridge to the forest took around 10 minutes, which he said highlights the "importance" of what the charity does.

And Chris Hawthorne, leading operations manager at EEAST, expressed the importance of people learning on scene CPR.

Simon de Laat, volunteer fundraiser for EAAA, said each mission flight costs around £3,500, adding that it is events like this that help the charity deliver life-saving care as it is funded by donations.

Eastern Daily Press: Simon de Laat, volunteer fundraiser for the East Anglian Air Ambulance, Joe Dowsing, critical care paramedic for the East Anglian Air Ambulance, and Chris Hawthorne, leading operations manager, at the memory ride for Jason Nunn at Thetford Forest. Picture: Danielle BoodenSimon de Laat, volunteer fundraiser for the East Anglian Air Ambulance, Joe Dowsing, critical care paramedic for the East Anglian Air Ambulance, and Chris Hawthorne, leading operations manager, at the memory ride for Jason Nunn at Thetford Forest. Picture: Danielle Booden (Image: Archant 2021)

More than £8,000 has been raised for the EAAA in memory of Mr Nunn.

To donate visit 'Ride for Jason' JustGiving page here.

Eastern Daily Press: Cyclists gathered at Thetford Forest ready to head out on a bike ride in memory of Jason Nunn. Picture: Danielle BoodenCyclists gathered at Thetford Forest ready to head out on a bike ride in memory of Jason Nunn. Picture: Danielle Booden (Image: Archant 2021)

Eastern Daily Press: Cyclists at Thetford Forest heading out on a bike ride in memory of Jason Nunn. Picture: Danielle BoodenCyclists at Thetford Forest heading out on a bike ride in memory of Jason Nunn. Picture: Danielle Booden (Image: Archant 2021)

Eastern Daily Press: Cyclists at Thetford Forest heading out on a bike ride in memory of Jason Nunn. Picture: Danielle BoodenCyclists at Thetford Forest heading out on a bike ride in memory of Jason Nunn. Picture: Danielle Booden (Image: Archant 2021)