Tenor sings praises of tragic teen’s family and friends

World-famous tenor Russell Watson has told the Mail how he has been inspired by the family and friends of a tragic teenager who died from a brain haemmorhage.

The internationally-renowned singer was himself struck down with a tumour just months after 16-year-old Kyle McManus collapsed and died.

The 2007 tragedy led to Kyle’s parents setting up a charity in memory of their talented son and that has now led to one of his best friends taking to the stage with the superstar singer.

Kyle’s closest friend, Lewis Laking, then just 15, sang at his funeral and later got involved with the charity.

After Kyle’s parents Dawn and Ian, both 38, set up Red Dreams, Lewis and his 18-year-old partner, Regan English, set up a smaller version called KindRedDreams to get youngsters involved in the creative arts.

Russell told the Mail: “It was a real pleasure to meet and work with such a lovely and generous and caring young man.

“If only there were more people like Lewis around – he has a real big heart.

“Ian and Dawn are doing a fabulous job with the work they are doing for charity, it is inspiring to meet people like this.”

Dawn and Ian were determined to thank Lewis for his support and put him forward for the new BBC series Tonight’s The Night, hosted by West End star John Barrowman, who in another tragic co-incidence also lost a loved one to a brain tumour

John told the Mail: “The story of Lewis is really close to my heart because I lost my sister-in-law to a brain tumour.

“Certain stories really affect you more than others and I thought Lewis’s was so moving.”

The Mail revealed on Saturday that TV bosses arranged for Lewis to sing a duet with the world star on the show.

At the weekend, Lewis, 17, travelled to London to team up with the superstar to film the performance, which will be screened in four or five weeks time.

Shop assistant Lewis, of St Luke’s Court, Hartlepool, said: “Through Ian and Dawn I have been given an opportunity that could be life-changing. Everything about the show was unbelievable

“When you are praised by people like Russell Watson it is all so unreal.

“The performance was in front of a live studio audience and the emotions were overpowering.”

Dawn and Ian, of Lennox Walk, Hartlepool, also travelled to London to talk about their recent experiences which will feature on the show.

Dawn said: “It was a fantastic day and everyone made us feel so special.

“Russell is so amazing and was really comfortable talking to us about his illness. He spoke to us on a personal level and made us feel so at ease.

“John lost a loved one to a brain tumour and there seemed to be an amazing bond between everyone involved in the show. It was awesome.”

Source: Hartlepool Mail