Most of you will know of my Welsh heritage, and therefore you
won’t be surprised by my choice of instrument for the Grade 1 Challenge.  I aim to pass Grade 1 harp by next summer,
thanks to the heroic efforts of a world class teacher, Claire Jones, former harpist to the Prince of Wales and who played at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and the encouragement of one of my oldest friends Victoria Robey.

I am doing this in support of London Music Masters, a charity
founded by Victoria eight years ago and which does extraordinary work to transform the educational prospects of children in a number of inner-city London primary schools.

They take violin teaching of the highest quality into primary schools situated in areas of real financial need. This intensive and
long-term teaching also includes exposure to professional, world-class
musicians; providing real opportunity and aspiration to children who need it more than most.

However, LMM’s impact is not simply musical. Children who
learn musical instruments consistently show higher levels of confidence, social skills and academic results than those who do not. And yet an excellent music education remains available only to those who can afford it.

I hope that you will consider supporting me in my challenge,
and supporting these children who deserve the chance to make a significant difference to their path in life.