A YOUNG woman whose plans to hold a charity music event were cut short when she died of cancer is to have her final wish granted.

Dawn Quirk, 24, of Ellison Fold, Darwen, always said that when she got over her battle with cancer she would hold a music event to raise money for other sufferers. Sadly, the chemotherapy she had proved unsuccessful and she died six months ago after a battle lasting nine months.

Now her family and friends have arranged for her wishes to be carried out, and a Dawn Quirk Memorial Music Day will be held a week tomorrow at Marigolds, in the town. Organiser Benn Robinson, of Darwen Music Projects, is co-ordinating the event which will feature well-known local bands including Gone Beggin and Cherrybomb.

Benn said: "Her parents asked me to put something together to raise money for the people who helped her during her illness. She always said that when she got better she wanted to have a music day so they wanted to make sure that happened.

"All proceeds will go to the Young Oncology Unit at the Christie Hospital, Manchester."

Dawn was diagnosed with cancer in June 2003 after discovering a lump in her leg, and she underwent surgery at Manchester Royal Infirmary in November. After Christmas, she suffered a second blood clot and a scan revealed the cancer had spread. She died in her father's arms at the Manchester hospital.

Her dad Brian said: "She was very much into her music and live bands, and Marigolds was a regular place she visited with her friends. I think she would be very grateful for what we are doing for Christie's.

"It won't bring Dawn back but hopefully it will stop other people having to go through what we have. She has seen all the bands that are performing."

The music event starts at 1pm when there will be a prize raffle and auction for charity and a buffet. Anyone wishing to donate a raffle prize should contact Benn on 07903 745066. The line up of entertainment includes Alan Is Bad, The Beathovens, Cherrybomb, Gone Beggin', If All Else Fails, Jamie Mac, Mick Nash, Rhythmic Intent, Stalker, sub:rosa and Zenith.

Tickets cost £5 and are available from Marigolds or Cue Music in Darwen.