FRIENDS and family of a 41-year-old mum-of-three who was found dead at her home in Kearsley have set up a campaign to raise money for her children.

Carolyn Sharrocks was found dead by a member of her family in Lord Street on Thursday.

A 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday, and has since been bailed until July 7.

Now, close friends of the family have organised a fundraising event on Sunday, June 7, at St Gregory's Social Club in Farnworth, where Ms Sharrocks used to work.

Ms Sharrocks leaves 18-year-old daughter Janie, son Josh, aged eight, and Jake, aged two, and all funds raised from the event will be passed onto them.

Tina Smith first met Ms Sharrocks about 18 years ago when the pair were both working at the Royal Bolton Hospital, and has been close friends with her ever since.

She remembers a woman who was completely dedicated to her children, as well as being a talented swimmer in her youth, who once successfully swam the English Channel.

She said: "The kids were her world β€” they were a very close family. She was the type of person who would never judge people, and she was a wonderful mother."

Mrs Smith, from Astley Bridge, said it was right that friends and family pull together to help her friend's three children, with Janie currently looking after her younger siblings.

She added: "At the end of the day, the kids are going through enough at the moment, and we don't want them to be worrying about money.

"She would be so proud of Janie β€”she is doing an amazing job of looking after them. She is a very strong woman."

The event has been organised by Mrs Smith's son Danny, aged 20, who came to know Ms Sharrocks' family through her mother's friendship.

He said: "When she used to work at St Gregory's she helped me get my first part-time job, which was really nice of her, so I thought it would be a fitting place to have the event.

"She was brilliant. I remember as a child she always invited people round to the house β€” we were always going round to play and for barbecues."

The event at St Gregory's will feature a DJ, a raffle, face painting and a bouncy castle, with more to be confirmed nearer the day.