By Graham Huband

DUNDEE REP is to stage a concert in memory of a former box office assistant at the theatre who died last year after contracting an aggressive form of cancer.

The life of Judith Malecki (29) will be celebrated during the fund-raising Hey Jude event on June 17, organised by her actor fiance Keith Fleming.

He told The Courier yesterday it had been Jude’s wish that something positive should come from her battle with melanoma.

Keith (34), a member of the Rep ensemble, said, “We met about seven years ago when I first came and joined the Rep.

“Jude was on the box office and was one of the first faces I saw when I came into the building.

“A couple of years ago Jude found a lump on her neck which appeared below the ear. She went and got it checked out and initially it was put down as a blocked gland.

“She was diagnosed with cancer in January and she passed on in June, so it was very quick. The lump was in her lymph nodes and it was very aggressive.”

The pair’s lives were thrown into turmoil by the illness but they found time to get engaged and Jude also told Keith she wanted something positive to come from her experience.

“We met at the Rep and we both worked at the Rep and she set me this challenge to do something— to use the place where we both worked—to raise money for research into melanoma because so little is known about it,” continued Keith.

“Basically, she wanted me to do something—a play or a concert—so that somebody else might get the chance that was denied to her.

“It was her idea so therefore it is important to me.

“It is a chance for the people at the Rep, her family and friends to come and celebrate Jude while at the same time raising money for much-needed research.”

Keith said each element of the concert had been tailored to reflect Jude’s musical tastes and personality.

He said, “Basically my idea is that every song is relevant to Jude. Either it was liked by Jude, had a special meaning for us or for Jude’s family and friends.

“It is going to be an acoustic night with songs from Les Mis to Lennon.

“A number of the Rep ensemble past and present will be there, The Hazey Janes and Kit Clark are performing and singer and actress Cora Bissett is going to perform.

“All the proceeds from the night are going to melanoma research—Cancer Research UK and the Shaw Melanoma Charitable Trust.”

Born and raised in Tayport, Jude attended Madras College in St Andrews.

She spent a period working at the Rep before training at Telford College, Edinburgh and returning to Dundee where she worked as a pharmacy technician at Ninewells Hospital.

She returned to work in the box office at the Rep and remained a member of staff until she passed away.

Dundee Rep chief executive James Brining said, “Hey Jude is a chance to remember a hugely popular and much loved member of staff, as well as an opportunity to raise money for an excellent cause.

“All the performers who are taking part are delighted to help celebrate her life and the positive effect she had on so many people.”

Tickets are available from the Rep’s box office on 01382 223530 or log on to www.dundeerep.co.uk