My message is simple... there is a school in India called Aikiyam and it is very precious to me!

I was moved on a daily basis working with the children of Aikiyam. An adapted version of Romeo and Juliet with a Tamil twist was one of the highlights during my teaching time at the school. The children were natural actors and whilst Tamil is their mother tongue, they crafted and created lines in English that worked perfectly. The final show in front of the whole school was a proud moment for all of us and the power of learning through drama was made clear.

A simple gift of a few items of stationery is a lot less than 50p, but most cannot afford these luxuries. One year's worth of school fees is the equivalent of £12, however tuition is free as parents would otherwise not be able to send their children to school, so books are tattered and worn and seldom replaced or updated. £30 is what a week of camp at the end of Year 8 costs but many cannot afford to go on their final school outing. Approximately £50 is what it cost to put on our Romeo and Juliet play (printing programs, buying material, sustenance and tailoring fees).

I gave up drinking for 8 months in hope of demonstrating to friends and family how sincere I am about Aikiyam. Please spare the cost of a round of drinks for this amazing cause!? Even a small amount will make a massive difference to children who deserve so much, but need so little.

Thank you for your love and support!!