TEENAGE singer Izzy Lane is using lockdown to raise money for a charity started in memory of her best friend who died from a brain tumour aged just 13.

Evie Clover lost her life to brain cancer in January, 2018 but she will never be forgotten by Izzy who shared so many fun times with her friend.

Izzy, 15, from Stert, near Devizes has launched a virtual singing marathon to raise money for Evie’s Gift a charity set up by her bereaved parents. In just a few days she has raised more than £1,500.

Izzy, who is a pupil at Dauntsey’s School, West Lavington, said: “I wanted to think of something that could reach people whilst we are all locked away from each other.

“I’m really pleased that people have interacted with the online singing marathon, made requests and been a part of it.

“I am beyond delighted with the amount of money that we have raised – over £1500 after six days and still rising.

“I’m so very very grateful to everyone that has donated. People have been so generous and supportive at such a difficult time.

“Many of the songs have been very poignant and a reminder of my friend Evie whose memory is kept alive by Evie’s Gift. Evie always encouraged my singing, always supported my plays and performances.”

The two girls met while pupils at St Margaret’s Preparatory School, Calne and the school has also supported Evie’s Gift and named an outdoor classroom in her memory.

Izzie’s mum Sarah, who is a trustee of Evie’s Gift, said: “The charity that was set up in honour of Evie from Melksham.

“Evie died at 13 from an aggressive and horrific brain tumour. We have had two Stert Garden Parties to support the charity but sadly there is no chance for a garden party this year. “

Evie’s Gift supports the parents of children with life shortening and life-threatening conditions with immediate financial aid.

Mrs Lane said: “The charity tries to go some way to stop a parent with a dying child from having to sleep in a car because a hotel is too expensive.

“We met families at Bristol ICU on the ward who couldn’t even afford their own lunch. Financial hardship is one thing and bad enough but combine it with a dying young child and it is horrific. Try combining that picture with pandemic Britain.”

She said that the cancellation of the London Marathon and the charity’s Jurassic walk has hit its fundraising and so Izzie came up with her idea of a singing marathon #26 Raise Your Voice.

Izzy has had a successful singing year and before lockdown intervened had made the finals of the competition West End Calling and is a finalist for the Bath Young Actor Of The Year.

Each evening she sings musical numbers and posts videos on Facebook. Go to #26 Album Musicals Marathon.