It was a night of tears and smiles, music and memories when friends, family, schoolmates and teachers remembered Lewis Roche in song and poetry.

School-loving Lewis died in January of myocarditis - inflammation of the heart - caused by a virus.

The popularity of the 14-year-old school football captain was plain to see in the capacity audience at Beauchamps School, Wickford, at last night's celebration concert in Lewis's memory.

The evening had been arranged to raise funds for the Royal Brompton Hospital's paediatric intensive care unit, where Lewis, the oldest of Brian and Karen Roche's six children, died.

Those who were unable to get hold of a £3 ticket will still be able to boost the total takings by buying a video of the show.

Shawn Morter, a lifelong friend of Lewis, overcame his shyness to compere the evening, which featured a poem in his memory by his 15-year-old girlfriend, Andrea Fulcher and songs from his dad, Stars in Their Eyes George Michael lookalike Andrew Browning, friends and teachers.

The programme featured Lewis's favourite songs, Angels - sung by family friend Jay Clark who is a regular at Purfleet's Circus Tavern - and Everything I do (I do it for you) sung by Beauchamps students. Both songs were played at Lewis's funeral.

Other numbers to stir the emotions included Forever Love, I Will Always Love You, You've Got a Friend and The Circle of Life before Mr Roche and the students brought the curtain down after almost three hours with No Matter What.

Mrs Roche, who was in the audience with two of Lewis's brothers, Daniel, 13, and Niki, nine, his grandparents, aunts and uncles, said: "It was brilliant, fantastic.

"We can't thank everyone enough - especially Mr Bell, the headmaster, the staff and kids.

"It all came from the kids and at the end everyone stood up and really cheered. Lewis would have been so proud. He loved going to the school."

Her three other children, Mitchell, seven, Jordan, six and Paige, four on Sunday, will be able to see the show on video at their Cartlodge Avenue, Wickford home.

Collection buckets were used to raise more money for the hospital, and it is hoped the evening will have made well over £1,000.

Popular - Lewis

(Right) School tribute - George Michael lookalike Andrew Browning performs with pupil Becki Marshal

Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

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