Lily Allen and Scissor Sisters record messages for murdered hostess

Published by webmaster for 24dash.com in Communities

Chart-topping acts Lily Allen and Scissor Sisters have pledged their support for a charity set up in memory of murdered hostess Lucie Blackman.

The showbiz stars are the latest to record messages for the Lucie Blackman Trust, which was set up by her father Tim in her memory and with the aim of keeping young people safe.

The Trust was launched after Ms Blackman, a former flight attendant from Sevenoaks in Kent, vanished while working as a hostess in a nightclub in the Roppongi district of Tokyo in July 2000.

Her dismembered body was found in a cave in Miura - a remote and secluded fishing village outside the city - in February 2001, after a seven-month search.

Japanese businessman Joji Obara has been charged with murdering the 21-year-old and is currently on trial in a lengthy case being held in Tokyo.

During last weekend's music festival Bestival on the Isle of Wight, the singers, along with the Pet Shop Boys and DJ/event organiser Rob Da Bank, recorded the messages for the website www.lucieblackmantrust.org

Jake Shears, of Scissor Sisters, said: "Good on you that you are going to school. We are real glad you are getting yourself an education.

"We know that when you're at school it's a lot of fun to go out and party and we heavily support any heavy partying you want to do.

"It's also important that you stay safe when you go out."

Lily Allen said: "It's very very important that you stay safe at all times."

Neil Tennant, of the Pet Shop Boys, added: "It's great that you go out and enjoy yourself but stay safe."

The messages are aimed at highlighting the Trust's latest Student Safe campaign, which highlights the dangers faced by teenagers heading off to university for the first time.

Mr Blackman, from the Isle of Wight, said: "Whether you're a parent or a child this time of year can be very stressful, yet exciting.

"Leaving home, or the country, on your own for the first time is a great adventure but safety is frequently overlooked.

"One problem is that youngsters don't research the areas they are travelling to and therefore don't understand the risks."

The Bestival stars are the latest high-profile figures to support the cause.

Earlier this year at the Isle of Wight festival, Coldplay dedicated a song to Miss Blackman and Kate Moss recorded a message.

Copyright Press Association 2006