NEXT month hundreds of people will don fancy dress and a smile to run or walk in memory of popular sports fanatic Steve Bernard.

The former Bournemouth School pupil, killed in a tragic road crash in November 2005, would have been 21 in February and friends and family have decided to hold the Big 21 Fun Run to help others achieve their sporting dreams.

Since the 18-year-old football star's funeral, they have worked tirelessly to raise money for the Steve Bernard Foundation in a bid to achieve something positive out of the tragedy, which also claimed the lives of two of Steve's friends.

"After the initial shock, we decided we had to do something in his name" said Steve's dad, Tony.

"About 1,200 people turned up to his funeral and donated about £3,000. We knew we had to do something positive with it and it has gone on from there."

Since Steve's death in November 2005, an impressive £37,000 has been raised, around £20,000 of which has been distributed so far.

Beneficiaries have included Bournemouth School, AFC Bournemouth's Ability Counts football initiative, St Mark's School and the Victoria Avenue Lawn Tennis Club.

Now the Foundation is looking for other worthy sporting causes to be considered for a donation.

"We have been amazed how many young people are struggling with their sporting goals because they do not have the funding. I think Steve would have been very proud of the Foundation" added Tony.

"It has helped Steve's family and friends to know we are doing something positive."

He welcomed the Daily Echo's Too Young To Die campaign and said he believes more should be done to educate young drivers. "I think the driving age should be raised to 21" he added.

Steve and his friends died in November 2005 after a collision on the A27 near Chichester. He was in his first term at university in the city.

The Big 21 Fun Run will take place along Bournemouth seafront at 2pm on Sunday February 17. It will start and finish at Durley Chine with a choice of distances - to Bournemouth Pier and back or Boscombe pier and back.

"Although it's called a fancy dress fun run, those who take part are welcome to walk and they don't have to dress up if they don't want to" said Tony.

"We don't want to put anyone off and we are allowed up to 500 participants."

Anyone who wants to apply for funding should send details of their project, outlining any other fund raising efforts made, the amount needed and contact details to enquiries@stevebernardfoundation.org Those wishing to take part in the run can get entry forms from the website, stevebernardfoundation.org