HUNDREDS of family and friends of Jason Taylor braved the weather conditions for a fundraising event after the tragic death of the 23-year-old.

Hail and rain did not dampen the spirits as people turned out at AFC Darwen’s Anchor Ground on Sunday.

Affectionately known as ‘Jay Jay’, he died after being stabbed in the neck with a champagne flute at the Esco-bar in the early hours of Sunday. He was treated at the scene but died later in hospital.

There were three matches to raise money for his funeral and people queued to get through the gates.

One of the organisers, Anthony Rogers, said: “We were expecting a lot of people just because of everyone who said they wanted to come after letting us know on social media or people talking.

“It just shows how much everybody loved Jay Jay.

“But it is not only that, you can see it from nearly £13,500 that has been raised through the Go Fund Me Page.

“That does not include the money raised from the football so it will be even more. It is just amazing.”

Light blue balloons and Jay Jay Taylor posters were put up around the ground and T-shirts were printed for two of the teams and they had ‘JJ 23’ on the back of the shirts.

Anthony also paid tribute to AFC Darwen for their help in putting on the event.

“I cannot thank AFC Darwen enough for what they have done by letting us use their facilities for free.

“They managed to help us get kits for the players and also T-shirts for Jay Jay.

“Jay Jay would have been proud of what everyone has done and he deserves it.

“The money we raise is going towards his funeral and give him the best send off he could have.

“We have no ideas when the funeral is but it is being talked about.”

- If you want to donate for Jay Jay, visit www.gofundme.com/jayjay-taylor-fund-raiser.