<p>In 2009, I raised just under &pound;5000 for Comic Relief with the help of my talented friends by putting on an Opera version of the hit series The Office.</p> <p>Since, I've been writing a new opera which I'll be previewing on the 11th and 13th of January. I'd like to use the occasion to raise awareness (and funds!) for the Joseph Foote Trust.&nbsp;</p> <p>I moved from France to an english school aged 14, barely able to string a sentence of English together. While some laughed at the awkward thing I was (it was pretty funny looking back!), others were kind enough to welcome me into their families at weekends, helping me discover British culture, and get over my home-sickness. One of those school-friends was called Rochelle, and I'll never forget how kind her family was to me in those years.</p> <p>With university and years passing by, we lost touch, but social networks reunited us. I read Rochelle's blog and was incredible moved and humbled by it (I think you will be too):&nbsp;</p> <p>www.abuggslife.com</p> <p>I asked Rochelle if there was a charity her family would like me to raise funds for, and she came back to me with the Joseph Foote Trust. I got in touch with them to find out a bit more about them, and it really is a no-brainer. With Christmas looming upon us, I know budgets are tight, but please make a special effort!</p> <p>You can follow the details of how I'm getting on with writing, directing and producing an opera in just over a month on a &pound;0 budget (ARGH), and donate on this page until the 13th of January.</p> <p>http://lookingscreen.tumblr.com/</p> <p>Alternatively you can come to the Opera. It's a 40 minute one woman show about her search (and stalking) for true love on the internet. (NOT an autobiography).</p> <p>There will be two preview performances dedicated to the Joseph Foote Trust on the 11th and 13th of January 2011, profits from ticket sales will go to the Joseph Foote Trust.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">January 14th Update!!</span></p> <p>Since the show was a success, we are adding two more previews of through the looking screen on the 28th of January and 1st of February 2012, at the Wilmington arms.</p> <p>Get tickets here:</p> <p><a href="http://www.wegottickets.com/event/151699">28th January 2012</a>, doors open at 7.30pm, performance starts at 8pm</p> <p><a href="http://www.wegottickets.com/event/151700">1st of February 2012</a>, doors open at 7.30pm, performance starts at 8pm</p> <p>At least &pound;1 from every ticket sold will go to the Joseph Foote Charitable Trust, more if we can sell out!</p> <p>The Joseph Foote Trust's primary aim is to continue the vital research to raise brain tumour survival rates from 15% up to 80%.&nbsp;</p> <p>Their three main objectives are:</p> <ul> <li>to fund and promote research into the nature, causes, diagnosis and treatment of brain tumours</li> <li>to provide financial and other support to sufferers of brain tumours and their families</li> <li>to promote greater public awareness and education relating to brain tumours</li> </ul> <p>Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving &ndash; they&rsquo;ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they&rsquo;ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it&rsquo;s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.</p> <p>So please dig deep and donate now.</p>