HOPE is springing from tragedy, after the family of a York man believed killed by the Asian tsunami set up a fund to help other victims of the disaster.

Steve Magson was watching his wife, Denise, and daughter, India, kayaking in the sea off Phi Phi Island, Thailand, on Boxing Day, when the devastating wave swept in.

Denise and India, 12, survived after the wave lifted them on top of a building. But no trace of Steve, 54, has been found, and he is now presumed dead.

Four weeks on, the family are founding the Steve Magson Trust, which aims to help rebuild the shattered community that gave them help and support in their time of need.

The first event for the trust will take place on Saturday - a benefit gig organised by India's close friend, Rab Cullen Dent. The proceeds will be split between the new trust, and the Evening Press and City of York Council York Aid tsunami appeal, which stands at more than £53,000.

Denise told the Evening Press: "We are devastated by the loss of Steve, but in his spirit are working together with friends and family set up a fund in his name.

"India and I were given lots of help by people in Phuket following our evacuation from Phi Phi Island, and through the Steve Magson Trust, are hoping to fund or assist funding a specific project in the area, possibly in conjunction with the staff of Dulwich International College, where we were so well cared for."

Rab, 12, of Heslington Lane, has lined up Goth and punk-rock bands Screaming Banshee Aircrew and The Reprimands to play at the event, which will take place from 8pm at the Winning Post, in Bishopthorpe Road.

The All Saints' School pupil said the tragedy meant he was "growing up quickly" and said he was inspired into action.

"My oldest friend had her dad taken from her, and I didn't want anyone else to suffer that," he said.

Dulwich International College in Phuket is a boarding school which is the partner school of Dulwich College in London.

Meanwhile, more than 60,000 people packed into a seven-hour concert at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on Saturday. It raised more than £1,248,963 for the relief effort.

Updated: 09:58 Monday, January 24, 2005