HE may have lost his five-month battle against a brain tumour, but the name of Stuart Ridley will live on.

For the Stay Strong Stu campaign will continue in honour of the 25-year-old farmer and rugby player whose courageous battle against the deadly disease captured the hearts of the world.

In just five months, in excess of £200,000 was raised in Stu’s name, via a series of events and initiatives – and the cash is continuing to pour in.

Stu’s funeral in July attracted hundreds of people to St Michael’s Church in Wark, and soon after he had been laid to rest, the trustees of the Stay Strong Stu trust met members of the Ridley family to decide how the trust’s work should proceed.

The decision was taken that the trust would continue to operate, but events will be limited to two or three per year. It is likely the first major effort of the campaign, the Super Sunday for Stu rugby extravaganza at Tynedale Rugby Club,will become an annual event.

The Ridley family are also anxious to ensure that the funds raised so far are distributed to worthy causes, primarily the Brain Tumour Charity and the rugby world’s own Wooden Spoon charity.

But other worthy causes will also benefit from the tireless fundraising which went on as Stuart fought for his with never-ending optimism.

A statement posted on the Stay Strong Stu Facebook page this week said: “Over the next four weeks we will be discussing the future of the campaign and will hold an open meeting in Bellingham on a date to be confirmed, where we will ask everyone their opinions.

“In the meantime, the trustees, together with Stu’s family, will be making decisions about the dispersal of the funds raised so far.”