SIX months after a fatal accident cut the life short of a popular Melrose student, his family have formed a new charity in his name.

After officially launching last month, the George Crawford Legacy Trust has already raised over £5000 to help local groups.

And their next fundraiser is already in the pipeline.

Horse riding enthusiast George was only 20 years old when he was hit by a car while walking back to his university halls last October.

He had just started his agricultural studies at Harper Adams University in Shropshire when the accident occurred.

After lifting the wallet of his friend by mistake during a night out, his ID was incorrectly given by police when he reached the hospital resulting in his parents missing his final hours.

More than a thousand people travelled to join them in paying tribute to the talented young sportsman last year.

Over 180 people attended the George Crawford Legacy Trust official launch in Melrose last month.

The drink reception held at George’s home was a huge success with the tickets, auction, and raffle money going directly into helping others.

And now the Trust has planned a four-day cycle expedition to honour his life.

Starting in Melrose the group will cycle all the way to Harper Adams in Shropshire.

They will be stopping at the cemetery outside Melrose to pay their respects to George before setting off on the 325-mile challenge.

The Harper Adams or Burst Challenge will be undertaken by 12 fundraisers between June 2 and June 5.

Cameron Crawford, George’s father told us: “We lost our son in a tragic accident in October last year.

“To help us adjust to the new life we have been presented with, we have formed the new charity George Crawford Legacy Trust.

“We are so thankful to everyone who came and supported our launch.

“One of the highlights of the night was when a bottle of whisky donated by our friend and neighbour Doddie Weir was auctioned and raised a fantastic £500.

“This along with the raffle and ticket sales raised a good amount and set the trust on its way.

“As George was a very sociable person and had an affinity with people, we wanted the money to go to help others."

Already the trust has donated £2500 to support Riding For The Disabled in Ancrum for the purchase a new horse named Alfie.

And it has given a donation to the Injured Jockeys Fund of £2500.

Trustees are also getting involved in a project to help youths from disadvantaged urban areas to be trained in pony racing and providing all round horse care.

A pilot for the project has been ongoing in London and 45 young people now work full time within the British racing system.

Another goal is to help set up a Scottish and North of England system to help youths break the cycle and find a new life.

And also they want to provide a local youngster with a financial bursary to help with sporting goals or educational needs.