"Calling all Ken-Friends - THANK YOU!

How, at a time of painful recession for so many, this vast sum could be raised on my behalf, beggars belief.

Except of course that the Ken Friends have proved themselves over many, many years to be the most loyal, industrious, indefatigable group of enthusiasts, any artist could ever hope to encounter.

It makes me very proud to know that your hard work makes such a difference for students at RADA - my Alma Mater is very lucky to know you - as am I.

I wish you all a healthy and happy 2010, and I shall be thinking of you all as I start hurling hammers in January.

Once again, all those raffles and auctions and every other piece of magic you have worked this year are astounding and deeply appreciated.

I congratulate you all, and simply say ad infinitum, THANK YOU MY FRIENDS!

From someone humbled by your support, and exceptionally proud to be a friend of YOURS, Ken Branagh"