I'm taking on the Run Leicester 10km in October to raise funds for Curve, where I am Director of Fundraising.

Did you know that taking parts in arts activities helps young people to:

- grow their confidence

- unleash their creativity and learn new skills

- develop empathy and connection with others

- increase their emotional wellbeing

All of this is amazing preparation for life!

But sadly, not everyone gets to experience this. It is usually young people from wealthier families or pupils in schools with bigger budgets who benefit from all that the arts have to offer. This is just not fair.

At Curve, we're doing something about it. Every year, we welcome 500 young people aged 5-19 to weekly theatre workshops and performance opportunities. Whilst all fees for our youth companies are heavily subsidised, 40% of places are given for free. This means that any young person with a passion for the arts can apply to take part - wherever they are from and whatever their circumstances.

So by sponsoring me today you will be offering talented young people in Leicester a platform to be creative, learn new things, meet new people and build their confidence. That's something I will definitely run 10km for!

Thank you so much.

Tessa