A WALK inspired by a fundraiser who died tragically will take place in aid of guide dogs for the blind.

The event, which will involve participants in fancy dress walk from Old Harlow to Chingford, via Epping, is being held in honour of Gary Ratcliffe.

The 42-year-old was killed after being hit by a car while riding his bicycle near his home in Old Harlow in 2004.

He had a month before the accident raised £2,500 for the charity and his wife, Sue, launched the Gary Ratcliffe Tribute Fund following his death.

She said: “I feel immensely privileged to carry on Gary's work.

“By giving one person a guide dog it changes their whole life completely.

"They can do things they never thought possible and it gives them a sense of independence.

"It also helps the whole family to relax because they don't have to watch that person all the time.

“We can't bring Gary back but we can help other people.

“He would have done anything to help anybody, that was just the way he was.

“Carrying on his work is also a way of keeping him close to me.”

The walk begins at 9am on Saturday in Old Harlow and ends at the United Services Club in Kings Road, Chingford.