A heart attack victim who took up cycling a year ago to strengthen his heart muscles is preparing for a 100-mile charity cycle ride.

James Fletcher, 44, of Felixstowe, will be taking part alongside 24,000 other riders in the closed-road Prudential Ride London event, which is held over a large part of the Olympic road race course.

Taking place on August 10, it starts from the Olympic park in Stratford and goes past Canary Wharf, Westminster, Hammersmith, Richmond, Weybridge, up the notorious Box Hill in Surrey, and then back to the capital, ending on the Mall.

Mr Fletcher, a professional photographer who used to work for the Ipswich Star, is aiming to raise at least £1,000 for the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

He said: “I had my heart attack in January 2013 and I had to do something to strengthen my heart muscles in case I had enough heart attack and to help prevent another heart attack, so I decided to start cycling.

“That was in August last year and at first I was only doing three miles – that was all I could manage.

“I have been cycling regularly and training over the past 12 months and I am determined to do this ride.

“I have set myself the challenge of finishing in under six hours, averaging 17mph. I know it will be difficult and I am bit apprehensive as I have a heart condition and am also diabetic, but I have done 100 miles so I know I can do it.”

On the day, Mr Fletcher will be supported by his wife Marie and children Bronte, 19, Alex, 18, and Poppy, 12.

He said: “Before my heart attack, I thought I ate healthily but looking back the amount of saturated fat I was eating was quite high. I want to help the BHF to educate young people about this.”

To sponsor Mr Fletcher go to www.justgiving.com/james-fletcher11 and to see a video about his preparations visit http://vimeo.com/93616167