FAMILY and friends of Ryan Passey plan to remember the Stourbridge footballer who was stabbed to death at Chicago's with a fundraising bash to mark what would have been his 26th birthday.

Ryan, from Quarry Bank, lost his life aged just 24 at the former Stourbridge nightspot in August 2017 after he was stabbed in the chest by a fellow footballer on a night out with friends.

In the wake of the tragedy Ryan's heartbroken parents Ade and Gillian and step-dad Phil, with help from relatives and friends, have dedicated themselves to campaigning for justice for their son who had been making a name for himself with his own window cleaning business.

A petition launched by the Justice for Ryan group, which was set up by family friend Jason Connon, has been calling for a change in the law ever since Dudley man Kobe Murray was cleared of the murder and manslaughter of Ryan despite having admitted in court that he had grabbed a knife and 'stabbed out' in the busy nightclub.

The family believe the jury's verdict was 'perverse' and they want to see relatives given the chance to appeal in such cases - as the law currently does not permit this.

But a long legal fight lies ahead so the Justice for Ryan group is on a mission to raise funds.

In honour of what would have been Ryan's 26th birthday on April 29 - friends and family will be holding a charity fundraising night at Stourbridge's River Rooms on Sunday April 28.

All funds raised will go to the Justice for Ryan campaign to help towards the family's legal costs.

Mr Connon said: "We will shortly be launching a number of legal challenges in our fight to get the justice Ryan so rightly deserves."

Anyone wishing to donate can do so online at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/justiceforryan.

The fundraising evening will be a 'back to the 90s' themed event and will feature Meatloaf tribute act Maetloaf and DJs Richard Rhead and Keith Ward will be playing hits from the 1990s until midnight.

Tickets are priced £10 and must be bought in advance online from www.justiceforryan.org.

Doors open 6pm and the bands will be on stage from 8pm to 10pm.

There will also be a charity auction and raffle plus a prize for the best fancy dress.