If you or your child have a love for music, you could be the fourth person to benefit from The Ffion Miles Music bursary – in memory of the late Ffion Miles. Ffion was not only known for her love of music, but her passion towards helping those who had retinoblastoma (Rb) and/or who had a visual impairment.
Ffion was diagnosed with Rb as a baby, which left her with a little vision in just one of her eyes. However, she never let her Rb or her visual impairment hold her back and achieved a huge amount in her lifetime, including a masters in politics, becoming a researcher for the BBC and also being a trustee for CHECT between 2010 and 2016. In addition, Ffion had a tremendous love for music, singing live on the rugby pitch before a Wales rugby game, as well performing in the ‘Rb band’ as lead singer at CHECT members’ weekends.
In light of Ffion’s love for music, we are delighted to announce the return of the The Ffion Miles Music Bursary – which is open to all CHECT members, regardless of age. The bursary will be awarded to one member per year and can be used towards anything that is needed to celebrate or encourage a particular connection with or benefit from music. This could cover musical training, music therapy sessions, attendance – including travel – at an event, equipment including help towards buying* or loan of an instrument, music software or anything else that enhances a member’s flair for music.
If you or your child are a member of CHECT and would like to benefit from The Ffion Miles Music Bursary, please contact support@chect.org.uk stating what you would spend £1000 on if you had £1000 to spend on something that encourages your love for music. The member that is chosen to benefit from this singular annual award will be chosen by the CHECT board of trustees. The deadline for applications is 28 June 2024.
One of the 2023 winners was Rosie, who used the money towards a piano. Mum Emily said, “We were so happy for Rosie when we found out about the award. We put the money she received from the bursary towards a new piano and have found it’s made a huge difference with her piano playing. She’s really enthusiastic about playing and helped her to play and practice more.” You can listen to Rosie’s piano playing.
*If the bursary goes toward the cost of an instrument, this may need to be co-funded either by the benefiter, or the parent of the benefiter.