Thanks for even getting this far, I'll keep it quick.

The Albany are currently running a drive to give every 5 year old in the borough of Lewisham a chance to come to the theatre for free. And in order to support this, a group of colleagues and I will be carrying a combined weight of 130 kilos across 27 miles of Dartmoor's worst terrain over 2 days, you know, for kicks...

But more importantly because in todays social and economic climate it is more important than ever to actively introduce children from all backgrounds to the performing arts. Theatre develops empathy, free thinking and critical functions all within a social, creative environment that should be open to everyone. Through raising money for this challenge we seek to fight against the creative austerity and elitism that some foster and offer an open opportunity to all of Lewisham's young people.

Would you like to more? (then read on my friend)

On Friday 15th June a team of Albany Staff will head for Dartmoor where they will face the challenge of their lives. 

The 11-strong team have embarked on a rigorous, military style training, led by the Commando Temple in Deptford, who have very generously offered their time and expertise in-kind, to be ready for a 33 mile walk. They have promised the team will be be race ready - we think they've taken on a bigger challenge than our staff! 

Covering 33 miles in just 2 days, the two teams will be carrying 80kg and 50kg respectively. After the first grueling day of conquering ten of Dartmoor's Tors, they will wild camp under the stars before embarking on the final furlong. 

Our 'Theatre Trip For Every child' campaign aims to make sure every 5 year old in Lewisham gets to experience the magic of theatre this year, potentially for the first time. It's a campaign about community cohesion and getting local people and businesses to invest in the future of young people and the future of Lewisham. 

We are asking the Lewisham community to come together and show your support by donating to this campaign to keep us motivated when times get tough - which we are promised by the Master of Madness Rob at Commando Temple that they will!

Many children living in Lewisham are unable to experience arts and cultural activity due to barriers including cost, travel and lack of cultural capital deeply ingrained through longstanding deprivation in the borough. It is proven that theatre has a hugely positive impact on the future lives of these youngsters; it promotes wellbeing, encourages neural connections and helps them see outside the box, not to mention nurturing their creative imaginations. 

Wish the team luck! 

To find out more about the campaign or to watch our short film please visit http://www.thealbany.org.uk/everychild/

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.