MONEY raised from a cycle ride in memory of a much-loved father-of-three who died from brain cancer has now topped a staggering £25,000.

Ipswich Star: People taking part in the Race for Jase in memory of Felixstowe port firefighter and medical technician Jason Gouldby.People taking part in the Race for Jase in memory of Felixstowe port firefighter and medical technician Jason Gouldby. (Image: Archant)

More than 125 cyclists took part in the event last autumn to raise cash for the St Elizabeth Hospice following the death of Jason Gouldby, a member of the Port of Felixstowe fire and rescue team, serving as a leading fireman and emergency medical technician.

His family have been thrilled with how much money the bike ride through the Suffolk countryside raised – and have already set the date for a second event this year, when it is hoped even more people will take part.

Mr Gouldby, 43, who lived with his wife Rachel, and three young children Eve, Isaak and Oren, in Old Felixstowe, was first diagnosed with brain cancer in 2009.

Despite a successful operation to remove a tumour and further treatment, the cancer did not clear. After a courageous fight against the disease, he died in Ipswich, but spent his final days helping to plan the ride which was held in his honour.

Mrs Gouldby said the current total raised for the hospice was more than £25,700 and money was still coming in.

“We raised more than £22,000 in 30 days from friends and family – it was just incredible,” she said.

“Jason was a very popular person and he had lots of friends and family supporting him the whole time he was poorly.

“Every penny raised is going to the hospice and every penny counts – the hospice does such a fabulous job and thoroughly deserves our help.”

Mrs Gouldby said the date for this year’s Race for Jase event would be September 7 and already more than 150 people had signed up to join in.

“Hopefully we will get even more than that and raise even more than last year,” she said.

The cycle ride featured routes of 16, 25 and 50 miles – with everyone asked to wear red, Mr Gouldby’s favourite colour – to suit all abilities, setting off from the clifftops at Old Felixstowe with some people riding as far as Snape.