Some dreams are worth fighting for, even when the odds are stacked against you. Ravisandu has spent the last several months proving exactly that.

She started this journey as one of hundreds of thousands of hopefuls across every province of Sri Lanka who auditioned for Derana Little Star. Hundreds of thousands became 300. Then 86. Then 16. From there, every single round was broadcast on national television — Top 12, Top 9, Top 6, Top 4, Top 3 — and now, against all those odds, Ravisandu has made it to the Final 2.

For a young girl who has dreamed of being a dancer for as long as her family can remember, this isn't just a competition win. It's the opportunity of a lifetime.

But reaching the final brings a cost her family never anticipated. Putting on a performance at this level — backing dancers, choreographers, costumes, and everything else that goes into a televised final — comes to around 447,000 LKR (roughly £1,000). For most families, that would be a stretch. For Ravisandu's, it's genuinely breaking them.

Her parents run a small restaurant called The Trees in Tangalle, on Sri Lanka's south coast. It's a modest, honest business — not the kind that leaves room for a sudden five-figure expense, however proud they are of their daughter.

I've known this family for almost ten years. They've been there for me in more ways than I can list — including once helping care for a stray puppy I found by the side of the road, without a second thought. They are, quite simply, some of the kindest people I know, and they'd never ask for help themselves. That's why I'm asking on their behalf.

I'd normally cover this cost myself without a second thought — but with a house purchase recently taking every spare penny I have, I genuinely can't this time. So I'm turning to you instead.

Whatever you're able to give — £5, £20, £50 — will go directly toward giving Ravisandu the final she has earned through nine rounds of pure hard work and talent. She's already done the hard part. Let's help her family get her to that stage.

Thank you for reading this far, and thank you for anything you're able to give.