A north Norfolk GP will tackle a gruelling 100-mile cycle marathon this weekend in memory of a work colleague and good friend who died suddenly earlier this year.

Eastern Daily Press: Sue James. Picture: SUBMITTEDSue James. Picture: SUBMITTED (Image: Archant)

Paul Everden will be following the 2012 Olympic marathon course when he takes part in Sunday'sPrudential RideLondon event.

Dr Everden, 57, who works at North Walsham's Birchwood Surgery and teaches undergraduate medicine at UEA, is raising money for the British Lung Foundation.

His secretary of many years, Sue James, died unexpectedly in February, aged 61.

Mother-of-six Mrs James, from Bacton, was later discovered to have had lung cancer, according to her best friend, Teresa Butler.

Dr Everden said Mrs James had been 'like my right arm.'

He added: 'Sue was wonderful and the patients all loved her. When they needed hospital appointments, Sue would make it happen.

'She was absolutely dedicated to her job. There were no lengths she would not go to in supporting patients in their time of need.'

He took part in the event for the first time last year, raising £4,200 for the same cause in memory of his mother, who also died from lung disease.

But Dr Everden said he had been abroad on a six-month medical education sabbatical from November 2015 to May this year and had returned 'completely unfit.'

He has since been training every day, before or after work, tackling hills in north Norfolk.

The London route goes through the capital and out into Surrey, including two steep climbs - Leith Hill and Box Hill.

He added: 'Last year I finished in just under five hours. This time I'll be happy just to finish!'

To support Dr Everden, visit virginmoneygiving.com/doceverden