World and European cycling champions gathered to remember the legacy of a cycle speedway-loving father-of-four a decade on from his death. 

Jim Peck was well known for maintaining the Great Blakenham Recreation Ground cycle track until his death aged 65. 

The father-of-four died from heart failure in 2014.

In his memory, the Jim Peck Memorial Match was started by his family and is now in its 10th year.

Ipswich Star: Jim Peck died at the age of 65 from heart failure.Jim Peck died at the age of 65 from heart failure. (Image: BHF)

At this year's match, a total of 32 riders, including the current world and European champion, took part in competitions for elite and veteran cyclists and raised £1,130 for the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

Also among the riders was Jim's son Adam who has been a regular competitor on the UK’s cycle speedway circuit after being introduced to the sport by his father as a child.

The 38-year-old said: “I was nine years old when dad took me along to a try out session. I had a go and it snowballed from there. 

“Over the years I’ve been lucky enough to ride for some of the top teams in different parts of the country. Dad was always my biggest supporter, and he wouldn’t think twice about driving me to races so that I could concentrate on my riding.

“When I was riding for Blakenham, which is my local club, our track was second to none. Dad would help prepare the track for meetings and pitched in at weekends when they upgraded it.

Ipswich Star: 32 riders competed in the competition at Great Blakenham Recreation Ground.32 riders competed in the competition at Great Blakenham Recreation Ground. (Image: BHF)

“When dad passed, the club chairman came to me with the idea of running a match as a memorial. We held the first one a few months after he died, and we’ve run it every year since.

“Even now, it’s still really strange without him. We're a very close family and dad was always our go-to man.

"He always had the right advice to dish out. He was one those fellas who could turn their hand to anything. If one of us ever had a problem at our home, he’d always be able to sort it out.”

The team at British Heart Foundation thanked the family for their efforts. 

Karl Coppack, BHF Fundraising Manager for Suffolk, said: “We are very grateful to Adam, his family and everyone who took part in this memorial match for helping to support our work.

“Losing a loved one is always devastating, especially when it is so unexpected. The money raised at this event will help the scientists we fund continue their work looking for new ways to prevent and treat heart attacks and keep families together for longer.”