A BROMSGROVE man is helping to build a legacy for his close friend who died in a tragic accident.

Tom Clarke-Forrest, 29, of Central Road, will complete the Bupa Great Birmingham Run on Sunday (October 19) in memory of Flight Lieutenant Rakesh Chauhan, who lost his life in April when an RAF helicopter crashed in the Kandahar province of Afghanistan.

Money raised from the 13.1-mile challenge will be used to set up a charitable foundation named after the fallen hero.

Mr Clarke-Forrest, a charity manager, said: "I am naturally still devastated to have lost such a dear friend, but I take pleasure in the knowledge that Rakesh was doing what he loved and that he'll be very fondly remembered.

"He was an amazing friend, a consummate professional and a patriotic civil servant and he will be sorely missed.

"I am sure however that the Rakesh Chauhan Foundation will be a fitting tribute to his life and I am proud to be able support the development of such a worthy cause."

The Bromsgrove man will be joined by two other friends at the prestigious half marathon event.

Matthew Graham, of Dundee, and Richard Bradish, of London, will also help raise money for the new charity and the trio, who met Mr Chauhan at secondary school, have set themselves a target of collecting £1,000.

They have raised £320 so far and further donations can be made at crowdfunder.co.uk/rakesh-chauhan