In 2018, I have a significant birthday and the less said about that, the better.

But as a result of reflecting on that milestone, I wanted to set myself a bit of a goal and create a challenging project.

That started me thinking about what my passions are.

Firstly, music is really important to me and always has been. It’s hugely powerful in changing moods and bringing people to life in a way that few other things can.

Secondly, kids are really important to me. It’s been an amazing, rewarding experience to see my own kids grow and develop into who they are today. And on a wider scale, I firmly believe that how we educate, nurture and develop our children today sets the tone for future generations and for society as a whole.

Finally, I’ve had a long-standing passion for South Africa having visited and worked there for the last 15 years. My time in SA is always a rollercoaster ride of optimism and pessimism for a unique, beautiful country. I see extremes of poverty and wealth living cheek by jowl that you never experience in Europe. I’ve long been fascinated by the history, geography, people and current affairs of the country.

So, putting those 3 things together – music + kids + South Africa - I came up with a simple idea for a project.

I’m setting up a music bursary that will pay for children in Soweto to have music lessons and the loan of an instrument. My target is to raise £5000/R85,000 during 2018, which will support the development of 30 children for a full year. I’ll be working with the Eyethu Soweto Music Project and visiting the school in September whilst in South Africa. This project was created in 1995 and is affiliated to the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra Company.

I’ll be running the Bristol 10k, asking for donations instead of birthday presents and may organise other fundraising events later in the year. I’m also hoping that I’ll be able to support the project on an on-going basis and keep the bursary going for many years to come.

If you’re able to support, please give whatever you can. Thank you.

STOP PRESS - May 2018 UPDATE - a very kind, generous mate of mine, Dave Sadler, has asked his friends to chip in a contribution ahead of his big birthday next month. Thanks Dave. If anyone is donating for him, please make me aware in the message box so that I can update Dave.