AN ANNUAL talent show involving children from Monmouth’s three secondary schools has raised more than £2,000 in memory of a 13-year-old schoolboy who died last June.

The Monmouth’s Got Talent charity event, which took place in March, raised £2,203.78 towards a £100,000 PhD research project into Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.

Tom Walker, from Devauden, was a pupil at Monmouth School for Boys and the research fund – which is now nearing its target – has been set up by his family with support from Cancer Research Wales.

Tom, described as a caring and considerate student, died of leukaemia last year.

Following his death, his family and the school and local community have all worked tirelessly to raise money for cancer research.

Other events have included a 12-hour swimathon and a night hike in the Brecon Beacons.

And at the Monmouth’s Got Talent charity event, three acts each from Monmouth Comprehensive School, Monmouth School for Girls, and Monmouth School for Boys qualified for the final at the town’s Blake Theatre.

Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools’ trio Carys Davies (singer), Anna Vines (cello) and Charlie Walker (piano) joined forces to win the top prize on the evening.

Dale Evans, of Cancer Research Wales, was one of the judges. Last week, Mr Evans visited Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools to congratulate the organisers for their efforts.