ROCK legend Brian May is giving his backing to the fund set up in honour of tragic schoolgirl Emma Newton – thanks to a letter from her friends.
The Queen guitarist was so touched by budding stage star Emma’s sad story that he immediately made a “substantial” contribution to the fund set up by her grieving parents Robbie and Peggy.
He is also promoting Emma’s Fund on his personal website, www.brianmay.com
Queen fan Emma, 18, of Lowgate, Hexham, died when her car was crushed near Corbridge by a falling tree in gales in May.
The budding stage star’s last performance, two weeks before her death, was as Britney in the Hexham Queen Elizabeth High School production of We Will Rock You, the West End musical based on the songs of Queen.
In 2010, 11 of the school cast had attended the London show at the Dominion Theatre, a trip which inspired the 2011 production.
Emma’s schoolfriend Kristen Clawson decided to pool the thoughts of the school cast and send them to May in London – without asking for money or any other favour.
But the rock idol said: “I was so sorry to hear about Emma’s death. She really sounded like a great girl. The idea of an arts fund is a great idea and I’d like to help.
“I just looked at the news story, what a beautiful girl; I wish I had seen her perform.”
May has also pledged continuing support for the fund, which is aimed at helping young performers make their way in the arts world. He added: “Creating a permanent fund to support young people in the performing arts is great. Working to fulfil a talent in singing, acting and dance can be tough.
