FRIENDS and family of Megan Roberts have raised more than £1,000 for a river safety charity.

Megan was 20 years old when she died in the River Ouse following a night out with friends in January, the first of four deaths in York’s rivers this year.

Her mother Jackie has become a supporter of York Rescue Boat, which aims to raise £35,000 and have volunteers patrol the Ouse on busy nights to try and prevent further tragedies.

Jackie, along with Daniel Himsworth, Jacob Stanley, Barney Parsons, Katie Jones, Megan Tucker. Ellie Beck, Emma Handley and Steph Leetch all took part in the walk. Many of them had been to primary and high school with Megan.

Jackie said: “The amount raised between them was £1,200, which is an amazing total.

“Daniel would like to thank everyone for taking part and I know Dave Benson is delighted with their contribution to the charity.”

Dave Benson, founder of the York Rescue Boat, said he was hugely impressed with the effort and the donation.

He said: “Myself and everyone at York Rescue Boat are extremely grateful to Megan’s friends for choosing our charity to raise money for.

“Jake and Dan have done a fantastic job in organising this event in memory of Megan. The money they have raised will go such a long way in helping us reach our goal in providing the safest environment we can, on and around the rivers in York. We also thank everyone else who participated on the walk and donated.”