Dear friends,

The inspirational charity Calcutta Rescue runs two schools for some of the most deprived children in Kolkata, India.

Many of its youngsters have seen and experienced shocking things in the slums where they live.

They have had little chance to play, let alone explore their feelings openly – something we take for granted here in the UK.

Now the charity has invited me to go out and work with its children for three weeks in January 2018 where I will be able to use 17 years of experience teaching 5 Rhythms to help them express themselves through dance.

Dance therapy is a powerful way of allowing young people to let go of negative emotions and experience the joy of creativity and connection – things that can have a profound influence on their ability to thrive.

While most people know me as a 5 Rhythms teacher, I have spent much of my adult life helping young people, first at Feltham Young Offenders Institute and then at Kids Company.

Volunteering with Calcutta Rescue will allow me to combine my love of helping youngsters with my passion for dance.

I am also going to spend a bit of time supporting someone who is trying to introduce 5 Rhythms to this city of 13million people.

And I have a personal reason for wanting to do something to help people in Kolkata - my father came from there.

But to make this beautiful dream a reality I need your help.

I need to raise £2,000 for the flights and living costs in Kolkata. If more money is donated I will look for a project at Calcutta Rescue to support and will keep you briefed about this.

Please donate what you can and help me help bring some real fun and healing into these youngsters' lives!

Calcutta Rescue works with the poorest of the poor in the slums of Kolkata providing free healthcare and education. Over the years it has given help and hope to more than 500,000 people. Learn more about the the work of this amazing little charity by clicking here Calcutta Rescue

And here is an inspiring little video of children at one of its schools: