Emil Dale opened his Academy in 2009, aged 23, starting with only 22 students in a tiny primary school hall in Herts, and no loans. Today -- boosted by the enthusiasm and raw talent of his students -- the school trains 400 part-time and 110 full-time, to great acclaim.

For the past 2 years, Dad was invited to play piano at the Academy's Xmas shows. This is when the students throw a free party for the elderly, just because they can. Dad would have loved to think that he would be supporting their next Xmas bash. Your contribution will also mean a lot for the young actors, singers and dancers.

So, I phone up in June - 6 months after Emil Dale's last Xmas show: a stranger, asking "out of the blue", if we can donate in Dad's name. I think it says a lot, when not only does the person picking up the phone guess immediately who I'm talking about, but she is also lost for words, and clearly moved by sadness and gratitude.

www.emildale.co.uk