Dear friends,  

So... Scarily big birthday coming up...  

I'm a big girl and as Gray will attest, already have far too much cr@p. I do like cr@p (especially if it glitters or is furry) - but apparently, I have too much.  Hence, I would hugely appreciate it if any of you kind souls who might perhaps have been intending to buy cards or give me any small gifts this year on the occasion of my birthday, might consider instead, donating any small amounts to my Sri Lankan charity, Hope House. 

I set up the charity during a visit to the eastern, rural part of Sri Lanka in late 2015.  You won't have heard me talk about it much as it was part of a global documentary series for National Geographic which doesn't appear to be getting a UK airing (yes, I was that good!) - but it meant I have a little shackled in talking about it. As it's been two years, I'm now ignoring this advice in an effort to raise awareness and ongoing funds - so please find here my full blog of the experience:

 https://medium.com/@jessbutcher/founding-hope-house-the-sri-lankan-adventures-of-a-documentary-filming-entrepreneur-836292f0384b

I hope you enjoy reading and are convinced that any money spent here is more worthwhile than on a (very kind) £3 birthday card or thoughtful trinket..? (plus, surely it's less effort...)

Thank you all so much for any support, 

With love,  Jess xx