This year, 2026, marks the fifth year of the wonderful Ffion Miles Music Bursary. Set up by Ffion’s parents, Helen and Dewi Miles, in memory of their daughter and the huge part music played in her life, the Bursary offers CHECT members the opportunity to develop their love of music. Each year since the Bursary was launched we have been oversubscribed, making it an incredibly difficult task to narrow the field down to a few winners. We want to say thank you to everybody for your applications, and well done to the winners of the Bursary.
A few words from this year’s recipients:
Matt and George
Matt and George were a joint father/son application, and have invested in a new electric drum kit after having to part with their old one.
‘Thanks to the generosity of the Ffion Miles Music Bursary, my grown-up son George and I (both bilateral retinoblastoma survivors) have been able to rekindle our shared love of playing drums. The grant allowed us to buy an electronic drum kit which we can practice wearing headphones, something Mrs Holt is also very grateful for! Thank you.’
Thomas
Having played the piano as a child, Thomas rediscovered his love of music in sixth form, returning to the piano and teaching himself guitar.
‘I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Ffion’s parents for awarding me the Music Bursary. This generous gift has enabled me to expand my guitar equipment by purchasing a new amplifier and pedals to take to university with me. These will make a huge difference as I continue to develop as a guitarist.
I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and for the continued support the charity provides to young people with retinoblastoma. Thank you for helping me pursue something I am passionate about and for making this possible.’
Stefan
Stefan loves playing piano, and will use the bursary to be able to have piano lessons.
‘Thank you for giving Stefan the opportunity to learn the piano. Your support has helped him find joy through music after losing his vision, and he has developed a passion that brings him happiness. So thank you for making such a meaningful difference to his life.’
Eliza
Eliza already plays piano to a high standard, and was keen to take up the saxophone. The bursary contributed towards her buying a saxophone so she can start lessons.
‘Hi, I’m Eliza. I am 12 years old and I am Grade 6 on the piano. I’ve been playing since I was five years old, so I desired to start playing the saxophone as a second instrument. Over the last few weeks I have had my first couple lessons and I’m really enjoying it. It has become one of my favourite pastimes. I have really liked learning new pieces and I’m really excited to learn more’.
The next round of the Ffion Miles Music Bursary will open early in 2027. We look forward to hearing about members’ love of music and how they or their child would like to use the bursary!