We announce our new Champions

Five local youngsters have been given the opportunity to help them achieve their goals with the help of the Starr Trust.One of the Edward Starr Champions is Samantha (pictured), an extremely talented and dedicated classical dancer from Hove who has performed on stage in the West End, on television and at theatres all over the country. Samantha was offered a funded place at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts however due to financial circumstances, covering the cost of her accommodation was becoming an challenge for her family. The Starr Trust awarded £5000 to Samantha to pay for her dance school accommodation.Samantha says: “I can’t thank the Starr Trust enough for supporting me with my future full time training at Tring - without which I would have had to leave and give up on my life ambition of becoming a professional dancer.”11 year old Jessie from Brighton won an Edward Starr Award to attend K-Bis theatre School. Jessie said; “I can’t believe something like this would happen to someone normal like me!”16 year old Lucy from Brighton is passionate about making films but was facing significant financial obstacles which were preventing her from pursing this dream. She had also been accepted onto a Film & Editing course at the BFI in London but until now was unable to pay for the train fare from Brighton. The Starr Trust are providing Lucy with some equipment including a tripod, a laptop, software and a printer and paying for her travel costs to London.Other Edward Starr Champions in March included a young person from Brighton for equipment to help him pursue his dream of becoming a professional photographer and a young person from Hove who is getting singing lessons.The Starr Trust invite any 10-18 year olds living in the BN postcode who come from a low-income background or are experiencing emotional, physical or learning difficulties to apply for an Edward Starr Award.Awards are available of up to £5,000 to fund activities in the fields of sports, arts or education and recipients - ‘Champions’ - are not only given financial support but also the opportunity to take part in a programme of exciting events and training run by the Trust.The next deadline for applications is 1st May 2014.For more about how to apply please click here.