The friend of a man killed in a cycling accident is to run the London Marathon in his memory.

Eastern Daily Press: Claire Dye with her late husband, Paul.Claire Dye with her late husband, Paul. (Image: Archant)

Steve Nichols will be taking part in the 26.2-mile race next weekend following the death of Paul Dye, from Spixworth.

The 43-year-old died after hitting a stationary tractor trailer while riding his bike on the North Walsham Road in June last year.

He was flown by air ambulance to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge for treatment but died two days later from his injuries.

Mr Nichols, 47, is now hoping to run the marathon in his memory and to raise money for the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

'I had known Paul for six or seven years and he was such a friendly guy,' he said. 'I used to see him biking to and from work and he would often overtake me as he was much fitter.

'I was travelling back from work on Buxton Road that day and I knew something had happened [on North Walsham Road] because there was a lot of traffic.

'When I got home his son called saying [his] dad had been involved in an accident. At the time we did know how serious it was'

An inquest held in February this year heard how Mr Dye struck the back of the tractor's trailer, which was parked on the verge of a road.

Witnesses described how the father-of-two, who was wearing a helmet, had not looked up to see the vehicle and was travelling at around 20mph.

Mr Nichols said: 'It was not until the next day that we heard the news from his wife. What made it more real is that we did a similar job, our children are the same age and we lived in the same village.

'You just think what his family must be going through. Claire [his wife] and the children are so strong.'

Mr Dye was described as a loving family man, who had even taken up karate to spend more time with his two children.

Shortly before the accident he received his black belt grading, and the honour was presented to his children during the funeral.

His wife, Claire, 44, said: 'It is amazing of Steve to do this and it is very touching to think he will be doing this in memory of Paul.

'The sad fact is that although the air ambulance did not save Paul, it gave him the best possible chance by getting him to Addenbrooke's as quickly as possible.'

To sponsor Mr Nichols visit https://www.justgiving.com/thenichols