A FAMILY has been torn apart after the sudden death of a mum-of-two.

Brothers Jack, aged 16, and Vaughan Kay, aged 12, have been living in separate homes since their mum Christine died after suffering a brain haemorrhage.

And now friends and family are rallying round to raise cash to put into a trust fund for the heartbroken boys, with comedian Paddy McGuinness and boxer Jamie Moore due to appear at a fundraising evening.

Miss Kay, a sexual health nurse from Sandhill Close, Great Lever, had been admitted to the Royal Bolton Hospital after suffering a perforated ulcer on January 12, when Vaughan had to dial 999.

She was kept in for four weeks, suffering chronic head, neck and leg aches. But her condition worsened when a swollen artery leaked blood into her brain.

She was quickly transferred to the neurology department at Hope Hospital, Salford, where she died in the early hours of February 7, aged 46.

Julie Smethurst, one of Miss Kay's two sisters, said: "She lived for her boys. She had such a bond with them, she adored them both.

"She was also passionate about her job and family and was always helping other people. If ever a job needed doing, Christine wouldn't bat an eyelid."

Miss Kay had separated from the boys' father and her death meant Jack and Vaughan lost their housing association home. They are now living with different members of the family.

Jack, who attends the Youth Challenge pupil referral unit, is living with his aunt and uncle, Christopher and Sonia Kay in Horwich.

Vaughan, a pupil at Mount St Joseph School in Farnworth, has moved in with Mrs Smethurst, in Longcauseway, Farnworth.

Mum-of-five Mrs Smethurst said no-one in the family had enough room to take both boys.

She said: "Vaughan is not coping very well, he's off his food and not eating, which is just not like him.

"Jack understands a lot more. He knows she is not coming back so he is letting his emotions out more."

Family friends say the youngsters have been left with nothing which is why they are organising a fundraising event.

The entertainment evening, organised by Miss Kay's friends Barry Winnard, aged 51, and Tommy Williams, aged 58, will take place at Derby Ward Labour Club, Deane Road on June 6 at 7pm.

Paddy McGuinness is a family friend of Mr Winnard and will perform stand-up at the show, while boxer Jamie Moore will sign autographs. Guests will be treated to music from blues band The Stumble.

Money raised will go towards a memorial plaque for wherever Miss Kay's ashes are scattered, with the remainder going into a trust fund for Jack and Vaughan.

Mrs Smethurst said: "What these two men are doing is fantastic. There should be more people like this in the world."

For tickets, priced £5, call Tommy on 01204 391980, or Barry on 07912 407963.