Can you help young performer Lydia Ward fulfil her dreams?
10-year-old has already appeared on TV and performed with Amanda Holden and Tamzin Outhwaite
Young performer Lydia Ward has already got seven years of experience and an impressive set of stage and TV credits to her name – and she’s only 10 years old.
She captivated viewers of Channel 4’s The Tiny Tots Talent Agency when she successfully auditioned for the role of Gretl Von Trapp in the Sound of Music, which she performed on a tour of UK and Ireland.
She has performed on stage with Amanda Holden and Tamzin Outhwaite in Stepping Out and the late Keith Chegwin, Gareth Gates and Graham Cole in pantomimes.
She has featured in The Russell Howard Good News Show – and is shortlisted to appear in two independent feature films.
Lydia, from Six Mile Bottom, has also worked with groups including the Cambridge Theatre Company and Cambridge Operatic Society.
Now she has earned a scholarship for a place at the prestigious Redroofs School of Performing Arts near Maidenhead, which is due to start in September. The scholarship only partly funds her place, however, leaving a considerable amount for her mother, Lisa, to fund each term.
Lisa, a client relationship manager at Belbin Associates in Comberton, said: “Lydia is one of the most modest, focused and motivated little girls you will come across, with a work ethic that beats most adults’ hands down.
“This is her dream to be living and training alongside kids with the same passion as hers. I have already arranged and will fund myself weekday hosting, so she has a family to stay with during term-time. Sadly, we are a single parent family and my wages will just not stretch to the additional fees required.”
Now Lydia is looking for sponsorship from companies to help fund her education through to Year 11.
Lydia is happy to act as a mascot for companies, will send regular updates of her progress and be on hand to perform at events. She would also like to become an ambassador for young people in similar situations.
Referring to Lydia’s ability in the three areas of singing, dancing and acting, a representative at Redroofs said: “Lydia is a wonderful triple threat already working at a high standard in all areas and has all the attributes we would look for in an applicant.”
Michelle Rasdall, at Samara Ballet School, who has taught Lydia since she was two, added: “It has been a joy watching Lydia blossom in recent years and thrilling for us that her talent is now being recognised. We so wish that funding can be found to enable her to move to the full-time training she is now ready for.”
To help Lydia fulfil her dreams, email lydiawardsponsorship@gmail.com or donate at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lisa-ward-412, where she is aiming to raise £10,000.
