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Dance teacher Roz Wilson's memorial bench installed overlooking Folkestone Leas after successful JustGiving fundraiser

15:48, 17 October 2018

updated: 15:49, 17 October 2018

A memorial bench for a beloved dance teacher in Folkestone has been installed overlooking the sea after a successful fundraising campaign.

Roz Wilson had been part of Studio Six performing arts school for more than 35 years before passing away in June 2017 at the age of 63 after a 12-year battle with breast cancer.

Her friends, family and pupils rallied together earlier this year to raise money for the bench, smashing their £1,500 target in just a matter of weeks.

Dancer Roz Wilson, involved in the dance community in Shepway for more than 35 years
Dancer Roz Wilson, involved in the dance community in Shepway for more than 35 years

Roz's daughter, Roxy Mellish-Wilson, 38, said: "I am so happy now that Mum's bench has been installed along the Leas for her friends and family who can come and talk to her and remember her.

"Mum was absolutely passionate about living by the seaside after falling in love with the area as a teenager, and having the bench in this location means that we can be close to her with her favourite view.

"My family and I are so grateful for all of the donations it just shows how loved she is."

Roz Wilson's new bench overlooking the Leas (4753582)
Roz Wilson's new bench overlooking the Leas (4753582)

The new bench is positioned along the Leas, opposite the Metropole.

Excess donations from the JustGiving page will go to the Pilgrims Hospice which provided palliative care to Mrs Wilson and her family.

Mrs Wilson’s bench plaque includes some of her favourite sayings, including ‘Love Never Dies’, the name of one of her favourite musicals, as well as 'Studio Six Superstar’ and ‘She was wild!’.

Roz Wilson's new bench overlooking the Leas (4753584)
Roz Wilson's new bench overlooking the Leas (4753584)
Roz Wilson and her daughter Roxy (4753527)
Roz Wilson and her daughter Roxy (4753527)

The mother-of-three, who lived in Hawkinge, first joined the dance club in 1981 and took over running the school in 2003 alongside her friend Laura Gibson.

Her loved ones are currently in the process of organising a 'bench warming party' to celebrate her life in the next couple of weeks. Details will be shared on the Studio Six Facebook page.

This year’s annual Studio Six show in July served as a tribute to the theatre fanatic.

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