Suzanne got into LAMDA!! Pls help her fund it!

Hi! I’m so happy you’re here!

I’ve managed to do what seemed completely impossible to me, only a short while ago - I got into the drama school of my dreams. LAMDA! One of the top drama schools in the country. Only a handful of places are doled out each year! And despite the fact that I’m hardly 18 anymore, and don’t have a background in the performing arts, at all - I was given one of those places! Can you believe it?

But this dream comes with a price tag - more than £25,000 for one year’s tutelage, to be precise.

Plus the costs of living in London. It’ll be good to be have a bite to eat from time to time, hey?

Oh, and there are no bursaries or scholarships available for my course. A student loan doesn't even cover half of the tuition fees...

So, I've had to take measures into my own hands. 

 

I walked for 21 hours straight, from Bristol to Stratford-upon-Avon to help me raise funds - 

Packing lots of sunscreen, water, and a copy of Shakespeare’s plays - I walked from my home all the way to The Bard’s birthplace - Stratford-upon-Avon - all in ONE GO! The trip took more than 21 hours spanned three counties, and cost me a few toe nails, too. 

I started my journey from Bristol city centre on the early morning hours of Saturday 31 July, and arrived at the edge of Stratford-upon-Avon well after midnight the next night. 

So many people sponsored me, at a time when so many are absolutely feeling the financial pressure. Thank you so, SO much for being so generous. I think the photo of me arriving at the RSC says it all, doesn't it! 

 

My plans for this year - 

As I didn't quite manage to get the funding together last year, I was allowed to defer my place. So this September it's got to all come together. I'll be writing to every trust, charity and sponsor again - but I'm also planning another challenge to top my epic 21-hour Shakespeare shuffle.....and it'll be a good one. A really good one! Please keep your eyes peeled for an update on that front, and how you can take part, too. 

 

A bit more about me -

I’ve always made my own way. Stood on my own two feet, practically since I could walk.

For most of my life, I followed the most predictable path imaginable. After university, which I funded through achievement grants and by working every job I could get my hands on during term time and holidays, I went on to work in PR and Marketing.

My dream to perform on stage was gathering dust, in the meantime. And then when father became very ill after suffering a massive stroke, everything else took a backseat. I’m very proud that I was able to help out my family financially.

I also had to start over, practically from scratch, after getting out of an abusive relationship a while back. Then the pandemic hit, and it’s been a whole different ballgame for all of us, with lots of challenges to over come.

 

Here’s where you come in -

I’m not proud of standing in front of you, with my hands held out. I’ve never asked for any financial help in my life. And yet here I am...I’ve got no more pride.

Because I’ve got to make this happen, come hell or high water.

Recent events have only made it more clear to me that you’ve got to live your life bravely, using all of yourself. Being true to yourself alone.

And if that means walking down a completely different path, because you’ve been given the opportunity of a lifetime, then that’s what you’ve got to do. You’ve got to grab that opportunity, with both hands. With your whole heart. Because it can all be over in a blink.

Each and everyone of us have had a year we’ll hope we’ll never see again. But if you have any inclination to, and any spare cash, however small that contribution may be - I would welcome it with open arms. If you just don't have any pennies to spare, please do and feel free to share the link to my GoFundMe! It would help me so much. 

 

 

LAMDA, here I come! And it's all thanks to you, and your generosity. Sending you masses of love xx