I am raising much needed core-funds for a charity that is very important to me - Making Music, Changing Lives. This charity gives classical music tuition to children from two of the most socially and economically deprived wards of the Cardiff, Ely and Caerau. Classical music is often seen as an elitist hobby, something that is unavailable due to the regular high costs incurred to parents (lessons, instruments, accessories, sheet music, travel, repairs etc).
At MMCL, these barriers are broken down, and for £2 each week (previously free of charge until a serious funding deficit), each child receives a lesson, the loan of an instrument for as long as they remain a member, refreshments and music theory tuition, which all lead to performing in concerts at the end of each term.
I was very fortunate as a child to receive music lessons, however coming from Ely I am and was always fully aware of just how fortunate I was and want to continue watching these children progress and develop their musical skills.
Making Music, Changing Lives is constantly seeking funding to be able to continue its fantastic work, and with the pots of money being awarded by trusts and foundations becoming ever more shallow it is so important that those of us in a position to help, must do so and seek other creative ways to raise funds.
I began swimming seriously in October 2016. In March I participated in a Swimathon for Marie Curie. This time, I am swimming the Serpentine (2 miles) in Hyde Park, London.
