Hi, I'm Neil, a 40 year old, neurodivergent actor from the north of Ireland. 4 years ago I made a decision that changed my life. I decided to pursue my dream of becoming an actor. I've worked so hard, and achieved a lot in 4 years, and I've just been accepted into one of the finest drama schools in the UK, The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. However my elation was soon shattered by the bitter realisation that undertaking this degree was going to be financially out of reach for me.

I've searched far and wide for bursaries and grants to help me, only to find that the doors were closed, due to my age, my background, my location and the course I'm studying. I've been turned down for a scholarship and I'm left with one last desperate hope that the kindness of strangers will help me. I can't tell you how devastating it would be to miss out on this opportunity.

Only around 1-5% of drama school applications result in an offer, and only around 8% of actors in the UK come from a working class background. I'm asking you to help me defy the odds and break those barriers. Thank you so much for your support. It means everything to me!