A GRIEVING father who is raising thousands of pounds in memory of his wife and daughter said he has been overwhelmed by the generosity of strangers.

Ian Richardson said their kindness has helped him fund a charity, the Jo and Mya Memorial Fund, which supports children who have lost loved ones.

Mya Richardson, six, and her mother Joanne, 40, were killed in a head-on crash with another car as it drove the wrong way on the A1 near Gosforth, Newcastle, last August.

Mr Richardson, 38, from Billingham, survived along with their ten-week-old daughter, Ava - who celebrates her first birthday next week.

He has been contacted by Brian Baines, who is attempting a 106 mile coast-to-coast walk from Maryport to Hartlepool in just 48 hours.

He will try to finish in time for the Champions League Football Final on Saturday, May 28.

The 41-year-old from Hartlepool said he felt compelled to help after he was reduced to tears after learning of the tragedy.

The Barnardos project worker said: "In a devastating second your life can change forever and I can't comprehend that."

The epic hike comes just three days after Mr Richardson would have celebrated his third wedding anniversary.

He told The Northern Echo: "I've been overwhelmed by the kindness of people who have not only given their time but their money too.

"I cannot change what's happened, I wish I could, but what I can do now is get my story out there and take action."

He recently scaled six of the highest peaks in the UK and organised a walk for Mya's young school friends up Roseberry Topping.

The big and little yomps have raised more than £7,000 to be split between Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund, and the Jo and Mya Memorial Fund.

"I would do anything to get the girls back but what I can do now is lead by example," he added.

"It gives me a sense of purpose and will leave a lasting legacy for the girls. When Ava is older I want her to be able to look back and say 'Dad did this'."

To donate, visit joandmya.co.uk