THE family of community campaigner Chris Cooke is aiming to raise £10,000 in his memory.

Emma Hindell has launched a fundraising bid in memory of her brother who died following a devastating fire at a high-rise flat in Essex Place, Brighton, earlier this month.

All funds raised will go to The Friends of Queen’s Park who Mr Cooke served as treasurer for a number of years.

More than £1,500 in donations poured in within the first 24 hours of the fundraising page being set-up.

Mr Cooke was pulled by firefighters from the 13th storey of the block in Montague Street on Saturday February 20.

He was taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital but died two days later from his injuries.

As well as Friends of Queen’s Park, Mr Cooke was heavily involved with a number of community groups and organisations during more than a decade of civic service in the city.

His roles included chairman of the fundraising committee of the Rainbow Fund, residents' association at Essex Place and LGBT representative for the city's equalities and inclusion partnership.

He was previously the head of finance and fundraising for the Sussex Beacon and ran to be a Labour councillor in Queen's Park in 2011.

Scores of tributes have been paid by those touched by Mr Cooke’s infectious energy and personality.

His funeral will be a small private event with just family members and his close friend and flat mate Mark Wolford in accordance with Mr Cooke’s wishes.

Mrs Hindell, speaking on behalf of Mr Cooke’s family which also includes mother Liz and father Mike, said: “The events of the past week have been a terrible shock.

“We have been deeply touched by the outpouring of support from friends, community members and family.

“It has been a great support to read how many lives Christopher touched.

“Following Chris's wishes the funeral will be a small, private direct family only event.

“We also ask for more time to grieve and spend time together privately.”

To donate visit crowdfunding.justgiving.com/Chris-Cooke.