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Noel Roche: Song in tribute to former Wortley High School student AUDIO
The family of former Wortley High School pupil who died in a road accident hope a new song about him will become an anthem for Britain's youth.
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The rap track has been written and sung by school friends of Noel Roche, 17, who died as a rode his scooter home from college.
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Noel's Song will be played at a special memorial evening at his former secondary school, Wortley High.
Noel's family have given their full support and hope that – at a time when young people in Britain are under the spotlight for the wrong reasons – it will send out a message of hope and encouragement.
Brother-in-law Mark Baum said the song – about Noel's life, pleasures and interests, and featuring personal goodbyes from his best friends – was a "poignant and touching" tribute which had brought comfort to the family.
"It's not just a loving and sensitive tribute, we feel it's a great piece of music," said Mr Baum, who is married to Noel's older sister Jenny.
"There is much publicity about the misspent activities of today's youth.
"However examples like this demonstrate not all is lost.
"The positive behaviour and talent displayed here do not always get the attention they deserve."
Bike-mad Noel was in his first year of a mechanics' course at Leeds Technical College.
He died straight away in the crash on May 7 – less than a mile from his home in Henconner Lane in Bramley.
He had turned 17 just two months before.
Noel's Song is performed in a rap/musical chorus style and features a
sample of DJ Sammy's Heaven.
It is also reminiscent of the style of The Streets, one of Noel's favourite bands whose song, Dry Your Eyes, was played at the funeral.
Jenny Baum, 34, said the family had been "overwhelmed" by the support they had received from his friends, many of whom had known him since primary school.
And speaking of the hundreds of youngsters at the funeral, and who continue to offer her regular comfort, Noel's mum Maggie said: "They have just been really good, so kind and thoughtful."
Paying tribute to Noel, she added: "He was just kind and funny.
"He was a lovely boy, a loving son and brother, and he didn't give us any trouble.
"He's just missed so much."
Noel was the youngest of Maggie and Pat Roche's four children.
The memorial evening – which is by ticket only – will be held on Thursday, September 18 in the main hall at Wortley High School, at 7pm.
To reserve a free ticket, call Tracey Child, Noel's former careers teacher, on (0113) 2630745.
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