The life and memory of a “bubbly and chirpy” Angus teenager will be honoured by the creation of a special award from the theatre company she loved so much.
As the devastated parents of Shannan Stringer prepare to lay their child to rest on Monday, the LimeLight Company musical theatre group will commemorate the 13-year-old by naming an award after her.
The Arbroath Academy pupil died at her gran’s home in Forfar on Thursday morning after suffering a suspected epileptic fit.
When the men behind LimeLight Michael Carlin and Chris O’Mara found out about Shannan’s death, they posted a statement on the theatre company’s Facebook page which said that the ethics behind the Showstopper award, which they plan to rename, summed up Shannan’s attitude perfectly.
The statement said: “The LimeLight Company are proud to announce that we will be renaming the Showstopper award in memory of Shannan, as she personified the meaning of the award sheer determination and effort, constantly working as hard as possible to achieve and be the best they can be.”
Shannan’s father Martin Stringer, 42, said he felt “proud” to know his daughter had left such a positive impact on so many people.
“Shannan was such a happy, bubbly and chirpy girl,” said Martin. “Hearing about this makes me feel very proud.
“The last few days have been very tough for the family but we are all pulling together.
“It’s nice of LimeLight to do. It will never take away the pain of losing Shannan obviously but it shows that she is in the hearts of the many people who love her.”
Shannan’s mum Claire Agnew said Michael Carlin and Chris O’Mara were “two of the best guys” she knows and thanked them for their kind words.
“Chris and Michael are just brilliant,” said Claire. “Shannan had been with LimeLight for about a year and she joined through her friend Shantell.
“She grew up with her and they were best friends from mothers and toddlers all the way to high school.
“I think it’s incredible for the guys to change the name of the award. Shannan always tried so hard at the group but she got very nervous at times and would panic worrying about what other people thought.
“The boys always helped her but she decided to stop going after a while. However, she always kept going to the shows with Shantell and always supported the group.
“Shantell is devastated but she has received a lot of support from friends and family and it is nice to know that Shannan was a loved person.”
Shannan is set to be laid to rest at Friockheim Crematorium on Monday afternoon following a service at George Stewart funeral directors in Arbroath.