Hi, my name is Anna and I'm fundraising to help pay for my dream Masters Degree in Art & Business at The Courtauld Institute.

I'm 22, from Dudley (just outside Birmingham) and I have an incredible passion for fine art and history. I have been offered this opportunity of a life time but need a little help making it come true.

The Courtauld Institute houses one of the best art collections in the world, providing exclusive courses for a few dedicated students a year in areas like art history, conservation and as of this year Art and Business.

The quality of the teaching and resources is second to none and this course would illuminate the history of the art market, the nuances of the contemporary art market, how we assign value and beauty to pieces. I find the ethics around the repatriation and trade of ancient art works and artefacts especially fascinating.

I have been very lucky to be loved and supported by my friends and family, my parents especially have worked tireless long hours to try and make my aspirations possible: my dad is a train guard and trade unionist for West Midlands Railway and my Mam a restaurant server and barmaid. Both pushing me to reach my full potential regardless of my working class background or state education.

I've managed to work hard enough throughout schooling to succeed in my studies nurturing my adoration of storytelling and the arts. I achieved a good collection of GCSEs, an A* in Fine Art at a level and an A for Classics. I also achieved a Distinction with recognition for "Most Original Artist" at my art foundation before graduating from Durham University in Classics in July this year. Demonstrating that given the opportunity I will work my hardest to achieve my full potential.

I am so incredibly lucky to have been offered a place at The Courtauld Institute to study Art & Business which would combine both my love of art and history in a career driven way and hopefully lead to a bright future exploring great works from around the world throughout the ages and hopefully some financial freedom.

It would be an absolute dream come true.

The course itself is £22,500 and while the student loan covers a portion of that, I still need to find the rest of the money to cover tuition fees. Draining myself and my family of their savings. Let alone money to maintain living in London as the loan is tuition only there is so separate maintenance loan for postgraduate study available. Therefore my current plan is to commute from Dudley each day to The Courtauld (approx. 3 hours) which may be gruelling but I am committed to finding a way to make my dream course happen.

That is hopefully where you come in, any spare change or donations would be beyond appreciated! It would allow me to pursue this master's which would not only be educationally enriching but give me the opportunity to find amazing work in the art world, stand on my own two feet and give back to my family.

By donating whatever you can, it would give me the keys to such a bright future for myself and my family.

Thank you so so much