COME AND JOIN US FOR LAURA'S BUTTERFLY WALK 2009
AROUND RICHMOND PARK - SUNDAY 31 MAY 2009
The Laura Sadler Memorial Fund was established following the untimely and tragic accident involving Laura in 2003.
Laura was lucky enough to receive a scholarship to the Sylvia Young Theatre School, which together with her own talent and personality, helped her to achieve her ambitions. She appeared at the National Theatre, Theatre Royal, Windsor, Soho Theatre and the Royal Court. She also appeared in numerous television commercials and productions, including Grange Hill, The Belfry Witches, Anchor Me and, of course, as Sandy Harper in Holby City.
Sonya, her mother, and her friends wanted to set up a memorial that would provide practical and financial support to give young actors and actresses the opportunity to realise their dreams, as Laura had.
Patron of the Fund
Les Dennis, who worked with Laura on Intimate Relations in 1995, is the Patron of the Fund.
Les Dennis with fellow auctioneer Jeremy Edwards at Laura’s Butterfly Ball, October 2006
Who are the Trustees?
Laura’s mother, Sonya, with close friends and colleagues, are the Trustees of the Fund.
Dinah Garrett
Russ Godliman
Laura Hammett
Tina Hobley
Sonya Sadler
Peter Sparkes
Additionally they include other friends and relations in the committees set up to organise special events, such as Laura’s Butterfly Walk 2009.
What is it all for?
The aim of the Fund is to provide practical and financial support to give young actors and actresses the opportunity to realise their dreams. It is really making a difference for those selected. Some of those students being helped now are making their professional stage debut in The Sound of Music, Billy Elliot, The Lion King and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.
‘Thank you for helping me continue on this journey and letting me be part of something that keeps me alive, so please accept my sincere thank yous, because you’ll never know how much you and your fund has helped me. I feel honoured.’ says Sophie Stone, who is the first deaf student studying at RADA, whom the Fund helped for two years with her special needs for signing and note-taking.
Sophie was able to attend the second Butterfly Ball and wrote afterwards to Sonya ‘it was an amazing feeling to feel part of your appeal and how much work you go to, to ensure people like myself can achieve the same dreams as your daughter and her achievements.’
'My son started today at the Italia Conti ..extrem,ely excited and anxious at the same time. I would just like to say a big thank you - if it was not for your help and support in helping my son with his first year of fees then this day would nver have happened.'
@It's Mufaro Makubike here from The Bridge. as yesterday was my graduation day I felt it appropriate that I write you an note to thank you for all you've done for me. Your support made yesterday possible and for that I shall always be thankful.'
As the work of the Fund becomes better known, it is receiving more requests for help. It has been able to help some 30 students so far making awards of almost £50,000. Awards range from £250 to £5,000.
Applications can be made at any time of the year to the Trustees from a young aspiring actors who are attending drama schools.
Please mailto:info@laurasadlerfund.org.uk if you would like more information about any of the events, or would like to help us in other ways. Let us know if you would like to be put on our mailing list.
THE BUTTERFLY WALK 2008 RAISES £7,000 -
THANK YOU!
The 2008 Butterfly Walk around Richmond Park on Sunday 15 June was a great success - and was supported by 50 people. The sun shone, the rain stayed away and everyone completed the course. Afterwards we all enjoyed a great picnic under the trees. Many thanks to everyone who did the walk and to those of their friends who sponsored them - raising £7,000. It was great to have several of those the Fund has helped over the past couple of years joining the walk - they in turn are helping the Fund to raise money for other youngsters.
The Trustees would like to thank you for your generosity.
