Birthday Fundraising Project 2014

In 2014 the Ken-Friends celebrated Kenneth Branagh's 54th birthday with a donation of $5,400 US, raised to support students from Northern Ireland under The William & Frances Branagh Memorial Award at the Royal Aacademy of Dramatic Art (RADA). Kenneth also received a Ken-Friends calendar. Here is Kenneth Branagh's thank-you: "Dear Ken Friends, From a hot and windy South Africa where we complete the final Wallander, a belated but heartfelt Happy and Healthy New Year to you all. As over many years before, I am humbled and grateful and very very touched by the continued support of you all, both in my work itself and in regard to the jaw dropping amounts you have now raised to help others. This year I hope to once more repay a little of that amazing dedication with some work that I am very proud of, including a new adventure that I think will be of interest to many of you. For the miracles of the birthday gift, for the invaluable calendar that now accompanies me everywhere, for your unending enthusiasm and kindness, I once again offer my most sincere and passionate thanks for the support of a lifetime. Wishing us all the wealth of health in the next 12 months, Your proud friend, Ken Branagh" There was also a thank-you from Caroline Hawley at RADA: "Thank you for continuing your generous support of RADA students through The William and Frances Branagh Memorial bursary fund. We have been so very fortunate to have had the commitment of the Ken-Friends for some time and I very much hope that you all share in our pride at having helped so many young people nurture the skills they need to forge a career in the artistic industries." Back to the Birthday Project page