Bolton actors agency raise funds for charity in memory of late student

Matthew Hilton was just 27 when he died from a stroke a year ago.

A special charity event was held in memory of Matthew during which Stirling Management Actors Agency Ltd, of which he was a member, was renamed Stirling Management Actors Agency studio 'The Matthew Hilton Studios'.

Matthew's parents cut the ribbon to the newly renamed studio.

Family, friends and members of the agency also gathered for a monologue competition, which raised hundreds of pounds for the Stroke Association.

The event was staged by Stirling Management Actors Agency Ltd.

The agency's theatre was full and 13 people competing for prizes with celebrity guest, actor, Tina Malone judging the talent.

Nathan Wedge, 32, from Bolton, Artistic Director at Stirling Management Actors Agency Ltd, helped to set up the event and said he was proud of the turn-out.

He said: “We are so proud of the event and that we were able to achieve such a great amount for such a worthy cause, Stroke Association.

Franky Lloyd, Amrit Jha, Tina Malone, Millie King (Image: Nathan Wedge)

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“Our event started at 11am with a complimentary welcome drink before we marked the renaming of our studio to ' The Matthew Hilton Studios' with Matty's mum and dad having the honour of cutting the ribbon.

“Across the morning we shared stories and memories of such an amazing young man that was taken far too soon.

“His zest for life was like nothing else! Knowing him was a real honour and he was a true gentleman.

“He was kind, funny and passionate.

“He attended Stirling Academy where he was loved by his peers. Anyone who met Matty would tell you he was the purest soul and will live forever in our hearts.

“At 12 we started the first half of our monologue entries where we saw some fantastic competition.

“After a short break we then had the second half of the entries, and it was a fantastic selection of comedy and drama and a perfect tribute to Matty.

“Our competition was kindly judged by celebrity guest judge Tina Malone who awarded first place to Millie King, second place to Amrit Jha and third place to Franky Lloyd.

“We were honoured to raise a fantastic £705 which has been donated to Stroke Association in memory of Matthew Hilton.”

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