MORE than £12,000 has been raised in memory of 23-year-old after he died after being stabbed in the neck with a champagne glass.

Jason 'Jay Jay' Livesey Taylor, 23, who lives in Darwen, was killed following a serious assault at Esco-Bar, in The Green, just after 1am on Sunday.

A group of friends have been raising money in memory of Mr Taylor and set up an online GoFundMe page with an initial £2,000 target.

The page, set up by Anthony Rogers, has raised more than £12,300 so far and will be used towards the funeral.

Mr Rogers, 22, said: "It's not fair that his parents have to pay for things like that after everything.

"I just want to be able to go to his parents and give them a cheque and say there you go.

"He was just my best friend

"He really was one of the nicest lads anyone could come across, he wouldn't say boo to anyone.

"He was more like my brother.

"I really cannot believe how much money we have been able to raise, it's amazing."

The friends have also been putting blue ribbons on lamp-posts around Darwen to remember Jay Jay, after a memorial was held outside Esco-Bar on Monday.

Mr Rogers has also helped organise a memorial fundraising football match which will take place on Sunday, February 11.

The football game will be held at Darwen football club. Gates open at 1.30pm and kick off at 3pm.

Yesterday a second man appeared before Blackburn Magistrates in connection with the incident.

Kayle Smith, 30, of Vale Street, Darwen, was charged with assaulting Mr Taylor causing him actual bodily harm.

He was sent to Preston Crown Court where he will appear today alongside Jack Costello, 44, of Victoria Street, Rishton, who has been charged with the murder of Mr Taylor.

Det Supt Jill Johnston, of Lancashire Police, said: “Our thoughts continue to remain with Jay Jay’s family at this difficult time.

“I would like to thank members of the public and Jay Jay’s friends for their help following the incident and since Sunday."

Donate at gofundme.com/jayjay-taylor-fund-raiser.