Big-hearted neighbours and talented friends of Geeta Rao, who was stabbed to death at her home in Collingwood Street in Standish, want to raise cash for her two children.

In the horrific attack, Geeta's mother, Leela, 73, was also badly injured.

The 43-year-old victim was a keen artist and had been studying for an MA in Fine Art at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN), and had completed the first year before taking a year out.

Posters are now being displayed in house windows around the tight knit community advertising the concert event, planned for Standish Labour Club on Friday, June 6

Residents also plan to carry out a door to door collection for a big food and drink raffle to be drawn on the evening, and Standish businesses have also been approached and are keen to help.

Acts already agreeing to perform for free include professional singer/song writer and producer Chris Ward (a pal of Geeta who also lives in Collingwood Street) and who has enjoyed a number one in
Germany and a platinum selling second single.

David Ward, a former Wigan clubland entertainer, will be master of ceremonies.
Vocalist Gerry Sandon will be dusting down the winkle pickers and his classic, original, Vox guitar for a nostalgia filled tribute to rock and roll and The Merseybeat sound.

Gerry, who has been performing for more than 35 years, certainly should sound authentic – he's played in bands who have backed greats like Gerry and the Pacemakers and Freddy and the Dreamers.

Rock band Jumpin' The Woods – featuring Geeta's former partner Steve Corless – will also appear.

The concert is being organised by neighbours Pat Wood, a dinner lady at Standish St Wilfrid's Primary School, where she became friends with Geeta's two children, and friend and neighbour, Debby Byrne, who has known the family for the past decade.

Mrs Byrne, who works at a Shevington garden centre, said: "Geeta's death affected the street and the wider community massively.
"Its fair to say that she hadn't had the easiest of lives, but you wouldn't meet a more wonderful woman and mother.

"As well as being a very beautiful lady she was very gentle and very gently spoken who was very attentive to other people's problems, as well.
"Pat and I want to raise money for the children's welfare and for their education.

"We hope that it can go in fund and be used to help them in the future."
Mrs Ward added: "Chris is really looking forward to the concert.
"Geeta always joked that she would have loved him to perform just for her and now, in a way, he is doing just that."

Ms Rao had also acted as a mentor for new students in the Flying Start programme and some of them are expected at the concert.
Tickets, priced at £2, are now available from the Labour Club or by telephoning 01257 424328.

Geeta's brother, John Rao, 40, of nearby Greenwood Road, has been remanded in custody accused of murder and of the attempted murder of his mother, Leela, 73, in February. His trial date has been fixed for August 18.