A TEENAGE boy whose mum died after being diagnosed with a brain tumour is to sing at a fund-raising event in her memory.

Alex Johnson, 15, will perform at the fund-raiser dedicated to his mum Julie Johnson and in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

The event is being organised by her lifelong friend Carol Worrell, who is also embarking on a trek to Peru to raise money.

Mrs Johnson's body was found in the River Ribble in December 2006, just three months after the mum-of-three was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour.

An inquest later heard that there was no evidence of drowning and the most likely cause of death was the tumour.

Mrs Johnson had retired from her job as a personnel officer at Hyndburn Council to spend more time with husband Steve, and sons Adam, now 27, Alex, and seven-year-old Joel, and had been receiving radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Alex, from The Grange, Wilpshire, will perform a selection of songs at the event, which is on the day after he completes his GCSEs.

The Clitheroe Royal Grammar School pupil is gaining a reputation as a talented musician.

As well as singing he plays the guitar and writes his own songs, and has performed at several gigs.

On March 30 he won the Stars of the Future talent competition held at Thwaites Empire Theatre, Blackburn.

He said: "It will be emotional, but it's all for a good cause and I'll be happy to do it. It's the first event that's been held in memory of mum, and we'll all be there."

During her illness Mrs Johnson, 49, spent a lot of time with Mrs Worrell, her friend of nearly 40 years since they had both attended Pleckgate High School in Blackburn.

Grandmother-of-five Mrs Worrell, from Moor Edge in Whalley, said: "Julie had said that she wanted to do a fund-raiser for Macmillan Cancer Support, who helped her during her illness.

"Sadly, she died before she could do anything and I have been planning to carry out her wishes ever since."

Mrs Worrell, 51, has already raised £3,200 to fund her 10-day trek to Macchu Pichu next month, which is organised by Macmillan Cancer Support.

Economic Development Services in Preston, where she works as a regeneration consultant, has donated £3,000, and friends have donated cash. She has also put in £700 of her own money.

To boost funds further, she has organised the fund-raising evening of entertainment for when she returns, on Friday, June 13, at the Canberra Club at BAE, Samlesbury.

Mrs Worrell, who has two daughters, Nina, 33, and 29-year-old Kelly, added: "I was very lucky to enjoy Julie's very close friendship and my life has been so much richer for it, so for me this trek and event is not only in memory of her but also a celebration of her life."

As well as Alex, party band The Funtime Frankies will play a set, and there will be supper and a raffle.

Tickets cost £15 and can be booked with Mrs Worrell on 07815 503451 or email worrell@edsnw.co.uk.

You can also donate by visiting www.justgiving.com/carolworrell.