A TOUCHING tribute is being made in honour of a brave drama lover who died of bone cancer.

Despite her illness Rene Morrison had been a regular member of the Jennifer Smethurst Drama School before she lost her battle for life last September in Trinity Hospice.

Now, as a tribute to her memory, former classmates who were unaware of her condition are staging a charity gala at Greenlands High School on April 26.

Drama teacher Jennifer Smethurst explained: "Rene had been attending the adult workshops since they were launched four years ago.

"She was a keen and lively student who was interested in everything to do with drama and literature.

"We never knew what was wrong with Rene - she just used to say she was going into hospital for a few days - so when her husband told me a few weeks before she died, it was a bit of a shock.

"Some of the class said they wished they could have done something to help so we decided to put on a charity concert, the proceeds of which will go to Trinity Hospice.

"I would like to make this a really successful occasion and raise as much money as possible. We think it is what she would have wanted."

Interest in the Act Together concert is already mounting, most of all from Rene's husband Alan who, along with nine-year-old son William, will be guest of honour at the concert.

He said: "I was quite touched when Jennifer told me what the school was planning.

"Rene had cancer for five years and she made a concerted effort to do as much as she possibly could.

"She dabbled in all sorts of things including tap dancing and she loved drama. This is a lovely way to honour her memory."

The concert will include a selection of solo and duo items as well as a short play.

Performances start at 7.30pm and tickets, priced at £2 for adults and £1.50 for children, are available on 358726.

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