THOUSANDS of people across Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe whose lives have been devastated by Cyclone Idai will be given access to clean water, as well as tarpaulins, plastic sheets and other emergency supplies, thanks to a grant from the Masonic Charitable Foundation, the freemasons' charity. The money is being donated to Plan International UK which is working to help survivors, including young women and children, who are at particular risk. The grant from the freemasons will provide jerry cans, water purification tablets and buckets to thousands of people who have lost everything and are at risk of potentially deadly waterborne diseases.  Over 750 people have died in the 3 countries on the South East Coast of Africa with Mozambique suffering the highest human fatalities. As the death toll continues to rise, over 260,000 children have been affected in the country and at lEast 350,000 people are at risk from rising flood waters. In Malawi, close to a million people have been affected with nearly half a million being children. Plan International UK is a member of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC). The DEC brings together 14 leading UK aid charities in times of crisis, to maximise the impact and help children and families who need it most. The Masonic Charitable Foundation is funded by freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.

Ebbie Muhire (28) is sheltering at a church in Southern Malawi with 5 family members including her youngest child, a 3 year old toddler. "The challenges we are facing are mainly crowded and unpleasant sleeping areas and poor sanitation and hygiene facilities because our utensils were damaged in the rain and now we are all using same equipment." Ebbie says. "The children, especially the young ones are at risk of getting sick."

Tanya Barron, Chief Executive of Plan International UK said:- "We're hugely grateful to the Masonic Charitable Foundation for supporting our disaster response in Southern Africa. This generous grant will make a big difference to thousands of people affected by this devastating cyclone and help get their lives back on track."

David Innes, Chief Executive of the Masonic Charitable Foundation said:- "Cyclone Idai has devastated the lives of many thousands of people, with, as usual, women and children bearing the brunt of the suffering. I'm very pleased that the Masonic Charitable Foundation was able to move so quickly and provide funds for Plan International UK's vital work at the heart of the disaster zone."

A group of talented students from LMA are set to perform alongside the cast of iconic 80's TV series, 'Fame.' Beth Rushby, from Southport, will join her LMA classmates and 8 of the hit show's actors and actresses for 2 special charity concerts of 'The Fame UK Reunion,' at the M&S Bank Arena, in May 2019.

Following a series of auditions, in which students competed for a coveted place in the show, judges selected 15 performers from LMA, including former students and mentors. The group will act as backing dancers and backing vocalists when original cast members; Erica Gimpel (Coco), Valerie Landsburg (Doris), Lee Curreri (Bruno), Carlo Imperato (Danny), P R Paul (Montgomery), Cynthia Gibb (Holly), Nia Peeples (Nicole) and Jesse Borrego (Jesse); take to the stage in the UK together for the 1st time in 35 years.

The show, which will raise vital funds for Claire House Children's Hospice, takes place from 5 May to 6 May 2019, with students now busy preparing for opening night.

Beth, 22, who is studying for a BA degree in musical theatre, said:- "Working alongside the original cast of such a well known series is a huge honour and we're soaking up every minute. We know how special the film and TV show were to a lot of people and we're really looking forward to joining them on stage to show what we can do!"

Stephanie Wallace Carr, Creative Director at LMA, will be choreographing the show. She said:- "I'm lucky enough to have worked on some absolutely fantastic projects throughout my career, and it's down to the inspiration Fame gave me; it was such an iconic film and, later, an amazing TV series. Having so many of our students involved in the show is incredible and is true testament to their talent and dedication. We have 4 mentors who have been selected, too, making it extra special for them to share in the excitement, while a former student will also be taking on backing vocals. Plus, we'll be providing a choir, so it's a real collaborative effort. We're now in the throes of rehearsals and making sure we're as slick as possible, so I'm confident it's going to be a fantastic show!"

The Fame television series ran from 1982 to 1987, with several cast members forming The Kids from Fame group. Their self titled album spent a total of 12 weeks at the top of the UK charts in the summer of 1982 and spawned 2 hit singles, Hi Fidelity and Starmaker. Now, audiences will get the chance to take a trip down memory lane, with specialist College and University Centre LMA helping to add a modern twist.

Among those taking part are tutors:- Elizabeth Carney, Richard Leeson and Charlotte Croft, who will join former student Sophie Fraser as backing vocalists, while mentor Lucy Gill will join the dancers as assistant choreographer. Dancers from LMA are:- Sinead Ahrend, Connor Beardsmore, Nicole Bowden, Joel Cornwall, Rhea Crosbie, Jade Fazakerley, Tina Hawley, Jessica Jones, Antonia Livingstone, Paige Moon, Charlie Peacock, Poppy Smith and Josie Taplin.

Sue Hinds, producer of Fame UK Reunion, said:- "The 2 shows in Liverpool are already shaping up to be pretty spectacular. It's a chance for fans of the original series to enjoy some nostalgia, while also introducing a brand new generation to the magic of Fame.  We were so impressed by the level of talent and passion of the LMA students and we have absolutely no doubt that they'll fit seamlessly in to the show."

Fame UK Reunion concerts take place from 5 May to 6 May 2019. Tickets are from:- ₤18.90 to ₤49.50, plus a ₤2.55 fulfilment fee per order, and are available from the M&S Bank Arena website or FameUKReunion.Co.UK.