MEMORIAL concerts and events held in memory of a Darwen woman have raised more than £20,000 for charity.

The fundraising was prompted by the death of Dawn Quirk, who died of cancer aged 24 in February 2004.

Cash has been donated to Manchester's Christie Hospital, the East Lancashire Hospice, Derian House children's hospice, near Chorley.

And money is also being given to other worthy causes in Blackburn and Darwen in memory of Dawn Quirk who died of cancer aged 24.

The third Dawn's Day music event at Marigolds in The Green is being held on August 26 when Dawn's family and friends aim to raise even more.

Dawn's dad Brian, 63, said: "We are making sure she has not died in vain. Her death is helping other people with the money that's raised and I'm pleased she isn't just being forgotten, all of Dawn's friends are still about and they come out to support us.

"It gives me a bit of peace knowing Dawn's death is helping other people."

Dawn, of Ellison Fold, died at Manchester's Christie Hospital in February 2004 after a nine-month battle with cancer. She found a lump in her leg in October 2003, which was said to be malignant. She had it removed in November but then suffered a blood clot in the New Year.

She was told a short time later that the cancer, a rare form of muscle cancer called Rhadomysarcoma, had spread throughout her body.

Money has been raised through two music events at Marigolds in 2004 and 2006, a similar event at Uncle Jack's in Lower Darwen in 2005 and a by competitors in the annual Race for Life.

Dawn's brother Craig, 33, from Lammack Road, Blackburn, also raised £3,000 doing the Three Peaks Challenge with former work colleagues and when he got married last year many guests contributed towards The Dawn Quirk Memorial Fund rather than buying gifts.

Dawn's mum Doreen, 61, of Ellison Fold said: "It's a very emotional day but the people of Darwen are so kind and all the bands do it for nothing we couldn't do it without them. We are keeping Dawn's name alive which she would like."

Bands, including well-known Darwen bands Cherrybomb and Crush will be performing at Marigolds.

Other bands performing include The Two Hats, 3 Sixteen, The Soul Searchers and Jamie Mac and co.

The event, being organised by Kathy Stewart and Skip Holroyd the owners of Cue Music in Duckworth Street, Darwen, will start at 3pm and run until gone midnight, and will include a raffle.

Tickets are £5 and available from Cue Music and Marigolds.