A FOUNDATION set up in memory of a talented young sportsman who died in a car accident has raised a staggering £380,000.

Steve Bernard was just 18-years-old when he and two friends were killed in a crash shortly after starting university in Chichester in 2005.

His passion was sport and the Steve Bernard Foundation was set up the following year after his family was inundated with support and donations.

All money raised has since been donated to sporting projects, mainly across the Bournemouth and Dorset area.

It has also supported projects further afield, covering more than 30 sports and four continents.

Recent donations include kit to the Oakmeadians Rugby Club junior section, equipment for the Wessex Warriors Power Wheelchair Football Club and coaching for Poole Swimming Club.

The foundation also continues to support the Victoria Education Centre and has made other donations to New Milton Girls' Football Club, Winton Primary School and Wey Valley Primary School.

It is run entirely by volunteers, including Steve's dad, Tony, who works tirelessly to organise fund raising events.

In June a total of 26 riders took part in the foundation's annual, gruelling Back to Bayeux cycle ride, covering a staggering 238 miles and raising £10,000.

Scores of people turned out for a fancy dress fun run and £660 was raised at a wine tasting evening.

There have been many successes by those who have been supported by the foundation.

Beach volleyball duo Vicky Palmer and Jess Palmer represented England at the Commonwealth Games in Australia and 10-year-old Millie Wicks from Poole represented GB in the world of Triathle.