TRIBUTES have been paid to a talented performer, musician and mother dubbed 'beautiful Beth' after she died peacefully at home.

Beth Walsh, 51, died peacefully at her home in Bath Road, Worcester on Thursday surrounded by her family after a long illness which saw her defy the odds to live life to the full.

Her illness arose following a very rare form of primary cancer of the eye called ocular melanoma, diagnosed in 2019, which led to Mrs Walsh having an eye removed.

COURAGE: Beth Walsh fought on despite a terminal diagnosis and helped nurture confidence in young people on the stage COURAGE: Beth Walsh fought on despite a terminal diagnosis and helped nurture confidence in young people on the stage (Image: Supplied)

A co-founder of Worcester TheatreMakers with Bev Bevan, she taught more than 700 young people theatre skills during the company's 10 year history. 

Noted for her particular aptitude for reaching neurodiverse children, the Youth Theatre they set up together was 'open to everyone' and was about nurturing confidence in young people.

She was married to Phil Walsh and they have a 16-year-old son, Alfie, and it was for them she fought on after despite her terminal diagnosis.

It was a measure of the love she inspired that friends quickly formed 'Beth's Army' to help her with the mammoth task of raising the money for treatment to extend her life.

SUMMER: Beth Walsh (left) with Bev Bevan who formed a creative duo at Worcester TheatreMakers SUMMER: Beth Walsh (left) with Bev Bevan who formed a creative duo at Worcester TheatreMakers (Image: Supplied by Bev Bevan)

With best friend Bev Bevan, she founded Worcester TheatreMakers, a theatre workshop company they established as a community interest company.

Both were co-directors and were known for having differing skills which were, nevertheless, complementary.

Mrs Walsh also performed as a backing singer for a band called Low Red Moon with music remaining her lifelong passion. 

Mrs Bevan described how many came to visit Mrs Walsh at home in her last days because she was 'loved by hundreds and hundreds of people'.

PEFORMERS: Bev Bevan (left) and Beth Walsh at the Marrs Bar for a fundraiser - together they were a dynamic duo in Worcester's theatre scene PEFORMERS: Bev Bevan (left) and Beth Walsh at the Marrs Bar for a fundraiser - together they were a dynamic duo in Worcester's theatre scene (Image: Supplied)

Mrs Bevan, now 50, first met Mrs Walsh when she was 19 years old. Both dressed up in Victorian garb for their Gin Lane installation at the Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre for eight years, together conjuring up a time of slums, pickpockets and street urchins. 

Mrs Bevan wrote in a post on Worcester TheatreMakers Facebook page about her deep sadness about the death of her 'co director, business partner and best friend' after she 'exited the stage last night for the last time'.

Many also spoke of their sorrow at her loss on the page but also of the 'overwhelming joy' she had brought with one friend calling her 'beautiful Beth' and another 'a brilliant kind person'.

Mrs Bevan said: "She was peaceful and her family were with her. Anyone who knew Beth felt the love and warmth she radiated. She adored our ten years in business together, she was the driving force and I was the engine.

TALENT: Beth Walsh (right) performs with Low Red Moon at the Saracen's Head as part of Worcester Music Festival TALENT: Beth Walsh (right) performs with Kaytee Thompson-Dewolfe in Low Red Moon at the Saracen's Head as part of Worcester Music Festival (Image: Supplied)

"We didn't always approach things the same way but we always complimented each other. We were the Yin and Yang of our business, she the thinker, the creator and the socialite, me the doer, the organiser and the planner.

"She loved every single one of the children and adults that came through our sessions. She just "got" kids, even the shyest and most challenging children would blossom under her gaze and guidance. She will be deeply missed by so many. Worcester TheatreMakers was a family and all of you were part of that Thank you Bev xxx."

RECOMMENDED READING: Mum with terminal cancer fights for life-extending Delcath liver cancer op

RECOMMENDED READING: Worcester mum starts pioneering Delcath cancer treatment

Other work involved showcasing the work of new writers through National Theatre Connections. 

Mrs Bevan went on to describe her friend as 'gregarious', 'the life and soul of the party' and how she 'beat the odds' to live much longer than anticipated. Music was her passion including festivals and she worked at Glastonbury for years.

"She had a way of making everyone feel like her best friend," said Mrs Bevan.

Friends of Mrs Walsh have set up a fundraising page to raise money for  for H&T Clients Charitable Trust, which funded some of her treatment. To donate click here 

Her loves ranged from Shakespeare to Taylor Swift.

Details of the funeral have yet to be finalised.