A FORMER postman who raised thousands of pounds during his battle against leukaemia has died after developing complications.

Adrian King, 43, lived in Darlington, but spent many years in Bedale, North Yorkshire.

He raised nearly £14,000 for charity, 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, in Stockton.

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

Mr King 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 that meant doctors were unable to find a suitable bone marrow match. Last year, he underwent five bouts of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

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

“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 am going to do it. I know it will be freezing, but we are doing it for Adrian.”

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

Other events included a race night organised by daughter Emily, and a party 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 to Julie.

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