Adam GrettonSeven friends have reached a �10,000 fundraising target after completing a 1,000 mile charity cycle ride in memory of Norfolk man who died from bowel cancer.Adam Gretton

Seven friends have reached a �10,000 fundraising target after completing a 1,000 mile charity cycle ride in memory of a Norfolk man who died from bowel cancer.

Norwich man Gareth Williams completed the John O'Groats and Land's End pedal with six mates and two days later ran the London Marathon for Bowel & Cancer Research.

The 30-year-old, of Plumstead Road, who works for Anglian Home Improvements, organised the fundraising feat in memory of Nathan Bray, 32, of Attleborough, who died five days after his wedding last year.

Mr Williams, who was Mr Bray's best man, completed the charity cycle in ten days before joining the starting line for the London Marathon on April 25.

'I'm glad it's all over, but sad at the same time. We saw some amazing scenery. They were a good bunch of lads and we had a lot of banter. Then I did the marathon in 4hrs 45mins on April 25, which would have been Nathan's 33rd birthday. It was a fantastic experience,' he said.

The other cyclists were Norwich men Matt Atherton, 26, from Cambridge Street, civil engineer Jason Mountain, 27, from Drayton Road, Dave Ames, from Reading, Andrew Steventon and Tom Hewitt, from Northampton, and Jack Stevens from London.

Mr Williams added: 'People have been extremely generous. We were hoping to hit �5,000, and we've gone way past that. It makes all the effort worthwhile. I hope Nathan would have been proud of us,' he said.

Mr Bray was 31 when he was diagnosed with bowel cancer last April. He was told in July that his condition was terminal and married his partner Aneliese four days later at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. A memorial fund was set up in tribute to the popular Scout leader and Attleborough Town Councillor.

A spokesman for Bowel & Cancer Research said: 'We really appreciate what Gareth and his friends have achieved. Our mission is to help ensure that bowel cancer is no longer a killer, and that people like Nathan will survive in future.'

anyone who wants to add to the sponsorship total can visit www.justgiving.com/thenathanbray1000milecycleepic.

Are you planning an epic charity event? Contact the Evening News on 01603 772443 or email newsdesk@archant.co.uk.