The family of a former Lancashire journalist who died suddenly in May will hold a charity night in her name.

Jo Powell, left, who had worked as a sub-editor at Lancaster and Morecambe Newspapers and the Lancashire Evening Post, died from a sub-arachnoid brain haemorrhage at the age of 53.

After working in newspapers she went on to teach journalism part-time and also taught creative writing at Edge Hill University.

Her writing earned her recognition and a novel she wrote called Shadow Falls won a national ‘It’s a Crime’ writing competition recently.

Her husband Mike and three children, Naomi, Miles and Rebecca, are organising the charity night to raise money for Headway, a charity which helps people affected by brain injury and illness.

Jo’s husband Mike said: “When we first went to the Headway meeting we wanted to be able to form ideas of what they needed and what issues were still there regarding lack of support for those affected and so on, but we came to realise just how much potential this group had of reaching out and helping those if they had the right funds to do so. So a charity night it is.”

Son Miles said: “I know just how proud my mum would be of this night and that we can all do something that will help and touch other people who have been affected by brain illness and injury.”

The event will be held at Kirkland Village Hall in Lancs on 3 December and will include a video tribute to Jo and a memory tree for those who knew her.

Everyone who attends will need to wear a splash of red as that was her favourite colour.

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