THE family of a gifted Wirral stage performer who fell victim to swine flu are hoping to help others follow in her creative footsteps with a rescheduled charity variety show.

Olivia Rae Clee-Barnett was just 17-years-old when she died in January 2011 after contracting the H1N1 swine flu virus and a secondary bacterial infection.

Her family launched the Olivia Rae Foundation in her memory in the hope of giving a helping hand to local community groups and individuals.

They wanted to allow her “lively and loud” spirit to live on by backing her two greatest passions – creative arts and education.

Now, in the year that would have seen Olivia celebrate her 21st birthday, the family have organised a variety show at Port Sunlight’s Gladstone Theatre, with all proceeds going towards helping the arts.

A gifted stage performer herself, Olivia appeared alongside her Wallasey School classmates in Sky One’s Grease: The School Musical in 2009, beating more than 500 others from across the country to claim the winning spot

She was also a finalist in the Liverpool Athenaeum Literary competition.

Olivia’s granddad John said: “Olivia was a typical teenager 17-years-old and knew everything and was ready to change the world.

“I believe she would have made a difference somewhere in her life.”

John added: “The aim of the charity is to help young people achieve something they wish to do, mainly in the arts – dance, singing, acting or just education.

Last year, the charity gave £4,500 to a charity called Copper Wood, which gave young people the chance to get involved in the world of television and filmmaking.

“These are the type of things we try to do,” explained John.

“We would like to do more but we are only a small charity and the funds need continuously topping up, hence this show.

“There are lots of kids out there who would love to be able to try something like learning to dance or sing and cannot afford the fees to do it.”

The tribute show had been due to take place at New Brighton’s Floral Pavilion earlier this year but had to be cancelled due to a mix up with advertising and ticket sales.

The rescheduled show on October 19 will see a number of acts take to the stage, including tributes to Rod Stewart, Phil Collins and Adele.

Wirral’s premier vocalist Billy Myers will also perform a tribute to David Alexander, while musical comedian Larry White will sing his own songs to entertain the audience.

The show starts at 7pm on Sunday, October 19.