A scholarship fund in memory of an outdoor pursuits instructor killed in a freak accident is being launched next month.

Friends, family and colleagues say the Tanya Bocking Fund will be a fitting tribute to someone who guided so many lives.

Tanya, 41, a member of Brighton's lesbian and gay community, centred her life on helping others.

She died when her helmet strap asphyxiated her on a zip wire at Blackland Farm in Grinstead Lane, East Grinstead.

Tanya, of Belle Vue Cottages, Brighton, was preparing the wire before a teaching session in December 2003 when it is believed she zipped down by accident.

Since the tragedy, family and friends have sought a lasting tribute and came up with the Tanya Fund.

Her brother Nat said: "Tanya was driven by love, passion, honesty and generosity. She created opportunities for herself and others to move on in life.

"This fund in her memory is a tribute to her character and a celebration of her values."

Tanya was the London Borough of Newham's cycling officer when she was struck down with the debilitating illness myalgic encephalomyelitis.

In recovery, she joined Brighton-based outdoor education charity Adventure Unlimited in 1997 and became operations manager in 2001.

Her family said she believed outdoor pursuits helped people achieve more by building physical and mental confidence.

The Tanya Fund has been created to support people, particularly women, who have chosen a career in outdoor education but face barriers such as low income. It will pay for training and qualification courses.

The fund aims to raise £5,000 each year from gifts and donations and expects to make five or six grants every year of up to £1,000 each. The amount will depend on the quantity and quality of applications received.

The fund will be administered by Adventure Unlimited and decisions will be made by a panel of independent trustees, Tanya's family and friends.

There will be a 170ft abseil and picnic to launch the fund at Peacehaven Heights on Sunday, September 18, from 10am.

Abseilers will pay a £10 registration fee and will be asked to raise at least £50 sponsorship. To register, contact Paul Jarvis on 01273 843674 or email paul@jamjar.me.uk To donate, call the Tanya Fund on 01273 681058.