A FORMER postman who was an inspiration by raising thousands of pounds during his battle against leukaemia has died suddenly after developing complications.

Adrian King lived in Darlington but spent many years in Bedale, North Yorkshire.

The 43-year-old raised nearly £14,000 for various charities including the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, Bright Red, a charity based at the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle, where he underwent a stem cell transplant and the haematology unit at North Tees General Hospital, Stockton.

His wife Julie said the family were devastated at his death but are determined to continue the fundraising.

He was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia and underwent the stem cell transplant from umbilical cord blood from the US in June last year.

Mr King had a rare tissue type which meant doctors were unable to find a suitable bone marrow match. During 2012 he underwent five lots of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

"Adrian is a real inspiration to everyone that he has left behind," said Mrs King.

"Throughout his illness he never complained, not once, he was a lovely man. It happened extremely suddenly, he was doing really well, this was an added complication that caused his massive deterioration.

"We are determined to carry on the fundraising, he always wanted to raise £25,000 and that is what we are aiming for.

"He was planning a boxing day dip at Saltburn next year and we will be doing that, I'm going to do it, I know it will be freezing but we're doing it for Adrian."

His fundraising efforts began last April with a charity football match and fun day in Bedale, which raised £12,400.

Other events included a race night organized by daughter Emily, and a New Year New Beginning party held at Cockerton Band and Music Institute, Darlington.

Mr King leaves four children Emily, 19 and Josh 17, from his first marriage and Oliver eight and Harry, five from his marriage with Julie.

Arrangements are currently being made for the funeral which will be held in St Gregory's Church, Bedale, next week.