Hope springing from a tragedy

Aug 3 2006 By Andy Richards, Birmingham Mail

AMBITIOUS students looking to boost their education prospects with an injection of cash were have again been encouraged to apply for awards in memory to tragic Birmingham teenagers Letisha Shakespeare and Charlene Ellis.

The Letisha and Charlene awards have been launched by the families of the girls. Under the scheme, backed by the Birmingham Mail and Aston Pride, awards of £2,000 each will be given to five deserving students.

The awards are available to any student aged 16-30 living in the Aston area and will be a "living memorial" to the girls.

Successful students will be able to use the money to help them with their studies.

The deadline for applications - Friday, August 11- is now fast approaching.

Letisha's mum, Marcia Shakespeare, said: "Everybody knows how tough it is to be a student.

"Here we are offering some financial help - students simply have to get an application form and apply. "The awards will help students in need and ensure the memory of our daughters live on for all the right reasons."

Beverley said: "By helping students we hope the whole community will benefit and that some good can come out of the tragic loss of our daughters.

"We hope there will be plenty of interest and that people will apply promptly because the deadline for applications is not far away."

Letisha, aged 17, and Char-lene, aged 18, who were both students, died in a drive-by shooting at a New Year's Day party in Aston in January 2003, innocent victims of a gang war.

Marcia, Beverley and their families will help select the winning applicants.

It is hoped the scheme, which is being administered by Josiah Mason College, Erdington, will continue on an annual basis.

Marcia Shakespeare said: "The awards will ensure the memories of our daughters live on in a very positive way which will benefit other people in the community."

To find out more, call Josiah Mason College on 0121 603 4757, email enquiries@jmc.ac.uk or log on to www.birminghammail.net/letishaandcharlene

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