Tsunami widow's fundraising bid

Denise Magson, of Holgate, whose husband, Steve, died at Phi Phi Island when he was swept away by the devastating waves on Boxing Day, will lead family, friends and fundraisers in a trek at Malham Tarn in the Yorkshire Dales.

It is hoped that the walk, which has been organised for the Stephen Magson Memorial Trust, will raise more than £1,000 - funding a boat for fishermen whose livelihoods were destroyed by the massive waves.

The trust, which was formed to help keep Mr Magson's name alive and to help people on Phi Phi Island rebuild their lives, has already raised more than £5,000 this year.

Mrs Magson said she hoped the sponsored walk events would bring in even more. "It is a family day out and there are three separate walks," she said.

"The first is for young families, the second is a four-mile walk for those who don't want to go very far and the third is a nine-mile trek for those who want to stride out.

"We want to raise at least £1,000 and it is possible that we will be able to raise up to £2,000."

Mrs Magson, and her daughter, India, were enjoying a Christmas break in the Thai paradise island when the resort was engulfed by waves.

While the pair were swept to safety in a kayak, Mr Magson, who was watching them from the beach, did not survive.

Mrs Magson said the trust was striving to make sure the money it raised reached the places where it was needed most.

She said: "We are hoping to do a lot more fundraising. This charity is not just about helping people in Thailand. It is about York as well."

Projects the Trust is currently working towards include establishing an annual bursary for an apprentice at the Minster Stoneyard and commissioning a bench to be placed near Mr Magson's final resting place.

Mrs Magson said anyone who wants to join the walk was welcome to do so and should meet at the Malham visitor centre at 11am.

Updated: 09:22 Saturday, April 30, 2005