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25
Aug 2020
Russell Crowe backs Harrogate student's drama school fundraiser
A Hollywood superstar has given his backing to a crowdfunder campaign to help an aspiring Harrogate actor take up his place at drama school.
Harry Pritchard needs to raise £13,799 in order to pay the fees for LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art), where he won a place earlier this month for a year-long course.
Now, the former Harrogate Grammar School student's cause has been given an incredible boost by actor Russell Crowe. The Oscar-winning actor not only shared Harry's fundraiser, but donated £2,741 - almost enough to pay the deposit for the course by this Thursday's deadline.
Harry said:
https://twitter.com/russellcrowe/status/1298013279986450432?s=20
The fundraiser has also been supported by Leeds entrepreneur Terry George, who told the Stray Ferret he wanted to be an actor himself as a child growing up in a poor family. He used to interview celebrities for a hobby and was given £30 by actor Dick Emery to fund elocution lessons to get him started.
Though the lessons never happened, Mr George said he always remembered how the contribution to his future made him feel and tries to do the same for others when he can. He said:
Read more:
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- Harrogate teenager struggles to fund racing career
Mr George said he hopes Yorkshire Tea and Leeds United - tagged on Twitter by Mr Crowe, who is a fan of both - will also do something to support Harry's cause. The aspiring young actor said he was very grateful to both supporters, not just for their donations but for helping to spread the word.
Since Mr Crowe and Mr George donated to Harry's fundraiser, the total has risen steadily and now sits at almost £7,500. Mr George said the Hollywood superstar's donation could help in other ways, too.
In response, Harry added:
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