DONATIONS to a trust fund set up in memory of tragic student Robert Stephenson have been “overwhelming” with more than £30,000 raised so far.

The 21-year-old, who was from Pickering, died after being struck by a taxi on a night out with friends in York in March.

Keen sportsman Rob was in the third year of an agriculture degree at Newcastle University when the accident happened and his family set up the Rob Stephenson Trust to help young people participate in sport.

Rob’s parents Patrick and Nicki, and elder brother Sam have recently returned from Rio in Brazil where they donated rugby equipment.

Mrs Stephenson said: “We have been quite overwhelmed by the donations we have received from rugby and other sports clubs in the area. Individuals have also done some amazing things to raise money for the trust.”

Mrs Stephenson said it had been Sam who had come up with the idea of doing something in his memory.

“We have always been involved in sport locally and the response has been amazing,” she said.