Phil Evans

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.

Yep, incredibly I've almost made it to 60 years old (and maybe beyond). To mark this unremarkable occasion, I will be feeding 60 street dogs / cats in Negombo, Sri Lanka for a week. The amazing team at DogStar Foundation go out every day and feed many, many community dogs and cats a nutritious high protein meal once a day, and the cost of this is just .50p per dog. (= £210 for 60 furry friends for 1 week) Nothing, and i mean nothing would make me happier than knowing that 60 dogs and cats have full bellies for a week as a result of me surviving for 6 decades, and if you'd like to help then I'll gratefully accept anything you can throw at me. Cheers Old Phil *all money donated will go via our own charity Helping Paws Worldwide and will be transferred to DogStar on 9th May ( or thereabouts)

Nepal has harsh winters, and temperatures can drop very low—even in the Kathmandu Valley. Many shelters are partially outdoors or in minimally insulated buildings, so dogs are exposed to cold drafts and low nighttime temperatures. A large number of shelter dogs come from the streets and maybe underweight,recovering from injuries or surgery or fighting infections These conditions make it harder for them to regulate body temperature, so blankets provide essential warmth for healing and comfort. Sneha's Care currently has around 170 dogs at their shelter many of whom have suffered from road traffic accidents causing paralysis of, usually, their rear legs. This means they are particularly vulnerable to cold temperatures. A blanket costs around £5 in Nepal and so I would like to raise enough money to give every dog in the shelter at least 1 blanket and if we can provide 2 per dog that would be amazing. Whilst most people will be sat in front of their fires on Christmas day, enjoying time with friends and family, I am aiming to be crossing a 5416m mountain pass as part of a 1000km loop around Nepal. The temperature on the pass could be as low as -20˙c and as I will be attempting this trip unsupported I will need to carry everything I need to keep me warm with me on my bike. I will leave Kathmandu around 14th December, cross Thorong La on 25th December and then start to loop back to Kathmandu, hopefully arriving back in early January, an approx total of 1000km and 24000m of ascent. Your support of Pedaling4Paws earlier in the year was amazing and we raised over £4000 to help so many dogs and cats in Turkey, Nepal and Sri Lanka. BUT if you can spare £5 you will be doing another amazing thing by keeping a dog, without a home of its own, warm this winter. Many thanks