IT'S a year to the day since Everest claimed the life of Hampshire businessman Peter Legate as he attempted to raise funds for two Hampshire charities by conquering the world's highest peak.

On April 30, 2002, Peter, 38, fell nearly 700 feet into a snow-packed crevasse. His body still lies in its inaccessible tomb. But lower down the mountain, Sherpas have built a cairn to his memory.

At home in the New Forest, Peter's family has also built a lasting memorial - a fund to carry on his work in aid of Naomi House children's hospice near Winchester, and Southampton-based charity for the deaf, Children Say.

In one year, the Peter Legate Everest Charity (PLEC) fund has raised £30,000.

The list of individuals and businesses who had sponsored Peter for the Everest challenge was swelled hugely after his death, as those who knew him struggled to make some good come out of their loss.

Peter's teammates at Fawley Rugby Club raised £5,000 with a match and disco. Fundraisers were held at Noadswood and Orchard Schools and at Peter's former Scout troop at Dibden Purlieu. Lymington Chamber of Commerce made PLEC their Christmas charity.

A local woman raised £600 by making cakes. A sponsored slim made £500, and at Hythe's US Army base, they held a raffle which raised £214.

As these and dozens of other contributions came in from people all over the world who had met Peter and admired his spirit and energy, his family had to take up where he left off.

For his mother Margaret, aged 77, charity administration has helped her find a focus in life after the shock of losing her youngest son.

"Fundraising has been a way forward for us as a family, to make something positive come out of Peter's death," she said from her home in Deerleap Close, Hythe.

"I have done lots of things this year I have never done before. My life has changed in many ways.

"All that letter writing, and I've been asked to talk on Radio Solent as Peter used to do. I'm still thinking about that one."

The grandmother of four - who has two other sons and a daughter - is hoping the next big boost to the PLEC fund will come from someone else who was very close to Peter - his mascot bear called Everest.

The bear was among Peter's personal possessions sent home from the mountain after he was killed. His mother felt the bear still had a role to play as a fundraiser

Now Everest is with a team in the Arctic, clocking up more expedition miles before his planned appearance at the specialist teddy bear auction at Christie's later this year.

"He will have his own sledge flag made by a London fashion designer, which will be auctioned with him," said Margaret.

"On a simpler level, I'm planning another coffee morning soon - anything to keep the cause alive and in the public eye.

"We'll keep it going for Peter as long as we can."

l The PLEC fund is based for contributions at National Westminster Bank, Hythe.