I was particularly touched by the huge generosity of all the Ken Friends on the occasion of my 46th Birthday. Not only is the sum (once again), a staggering amount, but the recipient, PROJECT SHAKESPEARE, is a fine group doing excellent work. I met Cindy and lots of young people enjoying their first trip to the theatre, 15 years ago. They had come to see us perform 'Hamlet' at the Barbican, and so the connection with the tenth anniversary of the film version, and the tremendous ongoing efforts of this group, is apt and personal for me. It has also been a rare and moving treat to read of all the different accounts of reactions to the film. Although we all know that Shakespeare is responsible for this, I was overwhelmed to know how much this particular version had meant to so many of my friends and supporters. I am very much hoping that after such a long time the full length DVD version will finally be available in the coming year. This latest kindness and tribute from you all, came at a poignant moment for me, occurring as it did, a week after the death of my father. He knew all about the Ken Friends and was as staggered and proud as I have been at your repeated generosity - not just with money, as vital as that has been to the beneficiaries - but with your support and encouragement of my work over so many years. He would have been so moved to see this latest example of what you have done for me, and the way you make a difference in many other lives. So on behalf of someone who was simply the kindest and most lovely human being I will ever know, thank you. Although none of you knew him, he certainly knew and appreciated you. "He was a man, take him for all in all, I shall not look upon his like again". Thank you all for your friendship, Ken Branagh