A family member of a keen cyclist who died while on a ride last year will take to the saddle to complete the 100km race he dreamed of taking on. 

Thirty-one-year-old Francesca Ryan, a former Northgate High School pupil, signed up for the Ford Ride London following the death of 59-year-old father-of-two Paul Ryan, who was planning to take part in the ride later this month.

Paul, who worked at BT at Martlesham, died of heart failure after collapsing by the side of the road during a bike ride between Nacton and Felixstowe in November.

“It was a terrible shock to his family and friends and by taking his place in the ride I’m hoping to raise money for the British Heart Foundation,” said Francesca who works in recruitment in London.

Ipswich Star: Paul Ryan was 59 when he suffered heart failure while out cycling between Nacton and Felixstowe. Paul Ryan was 59 when he suffered heart failure while out cycling between Nacton and Felixstowe. (Image: Contributed by family)

“Everyone who knew Paul knew how friendly, kind and easygoing he was and we miss him so much.

“He originally asked me to do this cycle ride with him but I was scared of riding 100 miles and nearly eight of hours of cycling so I said no.

“Now I hope I can do him proud and hope he’s there along the way with me,” said Francesca who is using Paul’s bike for the ride.

Paul leaves behind his wife Lucie and children Jack, 17 and Magda, 14.

Ipswich Star: Francesca Ryan and Andy French will take on the 100 mile cycle.Francesca Ryan and Andy French will take on the 100 mile cycle. (Image: Francesca Ryan)

The Ford Ride London starts at 6am at Victoria Embankment, London on Sunday 28 May, goes out well into the Essex countryside and then circles back to Tower Bridge, London. 

Francesca is doing the ride with Andy France who was a close friend of Paul’s and was often his cycling buddy.

If you’d like to help Francesca raise money for the British Heart Foundation go to:

https://2023ridelondon.enthuse.com/pf/francesca-ryan