THE parents of a mum killed in her own home will be caring for their orphaned grandson for the next year -- until one of her sister is able to take over the responsibility.

Sarah Jane Widdup was discovered dead at her home in Deepdale Road by her father last month.

Sarah, aged 28, is survived by her 10-year-old son Cody, two sisters Rachel and Sharon, brother Riley, and her parents.

Hundreds of mourners are expected to attend Sarah's funeral tomorrow when her father, Riley, and her mother, June, will lay their daughter to rest.

Mr Widdup, of Garstang Avenue, said: "We want Thursday to be over and done with and then we will clear Sarah's house.

"We are coping, but of course we have weepy days. Once the funeral is over and done with, the next big trauma will be the trial which could be as far away as next spring -- and will no doubt bring all the pain back."

Mr and Mrs Widdup will be caring for Sarah's son for the next year after which it is hoped his 34-year-old aunt Sharon, who has two young sons herself, will take over the responsibility.

Mr Widdup said: "Sarah left a will asking Sharon to look after Cody, but we will look after him just while everything is being sorted out and then Sharon can take over.

"We're trying to be as honest with Cody as possible and he often asks us very direct questions. We would not tell him any lies."

The whole family has been touched by the kindness of friends and people who have offered them support.

Mr Widdup said: "People have been so helpful to us that we are really touched.

"We realise there are lots of people much worse off than us and have been praying for all the bereaved families in Austria.

"My wife and I are very lucky to have such a strong faith."

Sarah's sister, Rachel Gay, aged 37, has lived in Queensland, Australia, for the past 12 years and has returned to Bolton to comfort her parents in their hour of need.

The 37-year-old mum-of-two said: "I'm just glad I was able to drop everything and come back and help. My parents are being very brave."

The family had hoped to hold Sarah's funeral earlier this week, but it was her brother Riley's 36th birthday yesterday and they had not wanted the two events to coincide.

Sarah's sisters and brother have chosen the two hymns for the service which will be held at Little Lever Christian Fellowship centre in Market Street before committal at Overdale Crematorium.

Mourners will meet outside the Little Lever centre at 10.15am.

Paul Sharpe, aged 30, of Wellington Road, Bury has been charged with Sarah's murder.