A devastated family is saying thank you the only way they know how - by raising money for the mountain rescue heroes who turned out to search for a beloved husband, father, brother and son.

Popular on-call fireman and postman Chris Brown died during a climb on Scafell earlier this year.

His family have been overwhelmed by the support they have received since his death.

Now his wife Sam, brother Tony and Tony’s wife Faye are raising money for Wasdale and Duddon mountain rescue teams.

The trio have organised a games and race night. It is not being held until October 26 but already 100 tickets have been reserved.

It is called “Be More Chris” - a tribute to the character of a man who tried, in life, to be all he could be and who, in death, has left a legacy to follow.

Sam said it referred to a social media post after his death: “Someone posted this saying on Facebook “Smile and be kind, for we are here in this world for just a while. In the short years Chris was alive he nailed it and everyone should Be More Chris.”

Chris’ wife Sam admitted that the fundraising was giving her something to focus on after the devastation of her husband’s death in June.

“I talk to Grace about her daddy. She misses him but she is only two - a two-year-old with attitude,” she laughs.

She said the care and concern of people have helped her through the dark days since his death.

He has also been brought to public notice several times after friend Craig Marshall did the Scafell marathon and raised £1,600 for search and rescue.

Last week Chris was also featured in a recruitment drive for on-call firefighters because of his dedication to the job.

After moving from Maryport to Parton following his marriage to Sam, Chris would go into the Maryport fire station on days off to ensure that there was enough crew to turn out the engines.

Sam, HR officer at Energus in Lillyhall, said: “It is difficult to keep seeing him (in the news) but it is also something I will be able to show Grace later - to show what her daddy was like.”

Chris’ brother Tony, who is a chef at Energus, added: “We have been amazed at how much support we have had.

“It has been truly overwhelming. We have had support from people who didn’t even know him, who are strangers to us.”

The two, with Tony’s wife Faye, events leader at Energus, said they had so many people to thank including two other search and rescue organisations, Cockermouth and Duddon and the friends and family who turned out for the search and have given support since.

Tickets for the games night were printed free by Firpress and the organisers are now asking businesses to help support a raffle.