A DETERMINED fundraiser is preparing to pay a marathon tribute to his late wife by cycling from a Fenland pub to Hunstanton - before running back.

Phil Kilby, from Eastrea, will take on the gruelling 90-mile round trip in memory of his wife, who died of cancer 23 years ago.

The 51-year-old painter and decorator will leave from the Nags Head, in Eastrea, in the early hours of next Friday and hopes to make it back in time for the pub’s weekend beer festival.

The marathon effort is to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support - a charity that Mr Kilby has raised thousands of pounds for over several years.

“My wife died 23 years ago when we had two children,” said Mr Kilby. “She died at the age of 22 on May 7 - the same date we got married.

“Fundraising is one of the ways I remember her. I know for a fact that she would be proud of what I do.

“I have done the London Marathon and various other races. This one will be a challenge. I have actually got an injury but I’ll get it done. I’ll do it on my hands and knees if I have to.

“The way I look at it is, I’m fit and healthy so I should take a couple of days out of my life to help somebody who needs Macmillan’s nurses. They were tremendous with my wife.”

Mr Kilby’s latest challenge comes almost a year after he conquered a triathlon which took him as far as the Isle of Man.

He said: “When I came back from the Isle of Man there were people who came out to greet me. My mother was there and I did find it quite emotional. It makes it all worthwhile to see their faces as they clap me home.

“My children think I’m mad to keep doing what I am. I think I will have earned more than one pint by the time I finish.”

• If you would like to support Mr Kilby pick up a sponsorship form from the Nags Head, in Eastrea Road, Eastrea.