It’s an amazing legacy for an amazing son.

A sports foundation celebrating the life of Steve Bernard – known to friends and family as Stevie B – has now hit the half million pound mark.

Since 2006 it has supported over 650 sporting projects across more than 60 different sports with guidance, financial support and predominantly equipment.

Stevie died, along with two of his friends, in a road accident on the A27 just outside Chichester in November 2005.

The talented sportsman was 18.

He had just started a sports course at Chichester University.

It was the outpouring of love, affection and donations at Stevie’s funeral that led to the idea of establishing the foundation.

More than 1,200 people attended to pay their respects to the former Bournemouth School student who had a passion for sport, including playing for Christchurch FC.

The Steve Bernard Foundation (SBF) was officially launched in February 2006, just three months after Stevie’s death.

It is run entirely by volunteers.

The seven trustees include Stevie’s dad, Tony, as Chair, his mum, Sue, brother Jacques and four of the people who knew him well including his best friend Craig Mathie, Managing Director of Bournemouth 7s Festival.

Tony said the £500,000 milestone could not have been achieved without the continued backing of each and every one of the foundation’s supporters.

He added: “When Stevie passed away, we wanted to turn a tragic situation into a positive and celebrate Stevie’s life by way of his passion, sport.

“The money raised has allowed people to follow their sporting dreams and ambitions, has enabled others to take up a new sport and has given some the opportunities to learn and educate themselves in a sport to be able to further support others.

“Stevie was training to become a PE teacher at Chichester University, as he wanted to allow people to reap the benefits of sport and to inspire them, and this is what Stevie’s legacy has continued to do – inspire thousands through the means of sport.

“None of this would be possible without the unbelievable support and dedication of so many.

“We at the SBF owe our incredible thanks and gratitude to people far and wide, many whom knew Stevie, but also many who never met him.

“The continued generosity of these people with their time, donations and support has allowed us to build a strong community which means we can continue to keep Stevie’s memory alive.

“16 years on and £500,000 has been hit, with Stevie’s memory remaining our constant drive to support the next 650 sporting projects.

“Your support allows all of this to happen and long may it continue to remember Stevie.

“Thank you, from all at SBF.”

• stevebernardfoundation.com