THE heartbroken family of a beloved father are set to honour him by setting up a foundation in his memory.

Liam ‘Giro’ Irvine, of Whitehaven, tragically died on December 11 and his family and friends were touched by the outpouring of support they received from the community.

So now his brother Lewis Irvine, mum Carol and friends Kevin O’Fee and Ashleigh Hetherington are set to create a foundation in his memory.

The first event to raise money for the foundation will be The Heart of the Lions boxing event, with proceeds also supporting Liam’s two children, Codie-Leigh aged 10 and Lincoln, aged seven.

The event takes place on April 10 at the Solway Hall in Whitehaven.

Lewis, of Coach Road, who will be competing on the show, said: “We are doing our first fundraiser in April to set-up a centre for mental health.

“The team are motivated to open a 24-hour support service which would offer activities and well-being sessions because of the effect mental ill-health had on Liam.

“His family are popular in the town and having experienced mental and physical ill-health, they believe they are the right people for the job.”

Carol added: “We just know we can make a massive positive difference. We know the impact, of someone who’s at crisis point.”

Liam is to be remembered through the project as the team have named it Go Interact Rehabilitation Organisation (GIRO).

The team are currently looking for funding through local businesses and potential partners with a series of events lined-up to contribute.

Liam, who raised funds himself with charity boxing bouts, was referred to as having “the body of a mouse and the heart of a lion”.

Kevin added: “The fighter of the night is going to get the Heart of the Lions Giro belt, whoever shows the heart of a lion.”