THE former partner of tragic hairdresser Craig Durham, who was found hanged months after crashing into the Dog and Partridge pub, has organised a concert in his memory.

Vicky Gartell, who has described Mr Durham as her 'soulmate', is holding the fundraiser in aid of the mental health charity MIND at the Moses Gate pub in Farnworth on May 16.

The concert is aptly entitled The Great Gig in the Sky, after a Pink Floyd song which was one of Mr Durham's favourite tunes and was played at his funeral.

Mr Durham's body was found at Clyde's Gents Stylists — the hairdressing business he owned — in Higher Market Street, Farnworth on January 16.

Last year, Mr Durham crashed a 4x4 into the Dog and Partridge pub and he was due to enter a plea at a Bolton Crown Court hearing on February 6 in relation to the crash.

He had previously been diagnosed with acute paranoia and acute psychosis and his family said he was 'terrified' of going to prison.

Miss Gartell, aged 37, does not feel Mr Durham got the support he needed and hopes the concert will raise awareness of mental health issues.

She said: "I know this concert won't bring Craig back, but maybe with the money we raise we can help more people like him who are still out there.

"There's still a stigma surrounding mental health and I think more could have been done to help Craig.

"He was a great guy and my soulmate. He knew everything there was to know about music.

"He liked Pink Floyd, folk music, REM, Simon and Garfunkel — all sorts.

"I think he'd have loved this idea — he'd have been proud of it."

Miss Gartell and her friend Joanne Prince have co-organised the concert and are hoping to attract about 150 people on the night.

Mr Durham's father Malcolm, aged 66, said: "A concert for Craig is a great idea. Everyone who knew him knew how much he loved his music — he would go anywhere for a good gig.

"He was due to go to London to see The Who and he had been to see James, Happy Mondays and The Stone Roses.

"He would've appreciated this."

The concert will feature a range of indie rock bands and acoustic singer-songwriters.

Full details of the concert will be available on the Moses Gate website at www.mosesgate.co.uk and on www.facebook.com/mosesgate.