I am supporting my friend, Chrissy, who as CEO of the London Music Fund does terrific work in supporting children in London in developing their musical potential. The charity works with professional musicians to guide, educate and inspire. They are supported by the London Mayor but need on going funding to grow.   

Read James' story:

James is 11, and in the second year of his four-year Scholarship. He was nominated to us in 2017 by his then primary school, who told us: “James is a naturally musical child and plays with a great amount of enthusiasm. He is punctual, committed, perceptive and quick to learn things that we work on in our lessons.”  Very sadly, James’s father died of leukaemia in 2014, and as result, the family’s income dropped significantly.

Since being awarded a Scholarship, he has flourished, not only musically, but personally and emotionally, too; showing that learning a musical instrument has may wide-reaching benefits to children.

James’s mum told us:“He uses music as a way of dealing with the difficulties he faced when his daddy died. The London Music Fund and our wonderful friends at the local Music Service have helped him so much, by encouraging him to use music as a positive way of dealing with his grief.”

James is working towards his Grade 3 trumpet, and regularly attends his local Saturday Music Centre. His teacher reports that he constantly makes excellent progress, works hard, and shows real courage and good-humoured determination.

It is clear that this award has had a profound impact on James, and in is own words:"thank you for the Scholarship…I love playing my daddy’s trumpet, and it makes me think happy thoughts about him.”

Thank you for any support you can give!