A CONCERT organiser is hoping to raise thousands of pounds in memory of a bride-to-be who lost her fight with cancer days before her wedding.

Lionel Snowden has lined up a top bill for a 60s concert in honour of Rachel Stansfield after the 24-year-old of Mitella Street, Burnley, lost a three-year battle with cancer.

Lionel hopes to raise £10,000 from the concert, which will feature Steve Ellis, former lead singer with The Love Affair who topped the charts with Everlasting Love', Mike D'abo of Manfred Mann, Cliff Bennett and Amen Corner.

Proceeds will go to raise the young Oncology Unit at Manchester's Christie Hospital.

Rachel, who had exten-sive treatment at the young cancer unit at Christie's for 18 months, was told the disease was terminal just four weeks ago.

She died on April 19 at her parents' bungalow in The Meadows, Colne, surrounded by her mum and dad, Mary and Gary, 27-year-old sister Laura and other family and friends.

The former St Hilda's High School pupil was due to marry Alan Hayes on Monday at the Mytton Fold Hotel, Langho.

Her family has welcomed the concert, on June 27 at Burnley Mechanics, in aid of the hospital, which is having an extension built.

Lionel, who lives in Burnley and has raised thousands of pounds for teenage cancer, wants to raise awareness about the issue.

He said: "I read the tragic story about Rachel in the Telegraph and wanted to do something to raise money.

"I also want to raise awareness about teenage cancers - until last year I did not know they had specialist units for young cancer sufferers."

Rachel was buried in a pink coffin last Friday, surrounded by family and friends wearing pink items in accordance with her final wishes.

Rachel's mother, Mary, said: "Anything to raise money for the unit is good."

VIP tickets for the event, which include a champagne reception, cost £50 with standard ones selling for £16.50.

Anyone needing more information about the event or who wants to buy tickets can contact Lionel on 01282 772488 or log on to www.burnleymech-anics.co.uk.