THE Stage Experience cast and crew at the Grand Opera House, York,  are raising money for the renal unit at York Hospital and Martin House Children's Hospice, Boston Spa, at this week's production of Fame, The Musical.

Over the years, Stage Experience has supported many charities, last year raising more than £2,000 for Kidney Research UK and Parkinson’s UK.

Each summer, performers aged ten to 21 have the chance to take part in the Cumberland Street theatre's Stage Experience project, working with a professional creative team to put on a full-scale musical in under a fortnight, culminating in performances from Thursday to Saturday. Fame, The Musical can be seen at 7.30pm tonight and 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Bucket collections will be taken after each  show.

The York Hospital renal unit provides treatment, help and support for hundreds of dialysis and pre/post transplant patients and their families but is often overlooked with fundraising. Patients are often on dialysis for many years and the effects can be just as debilitating as kidney failure itself, but the patients have to keep mentally and physically active.

The York Teaching Hospital Charity helps to provide the means for this, over and above what the NHS can provide, for example portable physio equipment and art therapy. The charity has also funded a self-care dialysis suite, enabling more patients to receive treatment quicker and helping others to take more control over their treatment.

Martin House Children's Hospice provides family-led care for children with life-shortening conditions. It is a place where children, young people and their families can come to stay to find support, rest and practical help. They provide care and support to more than 420 young people and 150 bereaved families across West, North and East Yorkshire.

"Please help us to make a difference to the patients and families of these two charities by making donations at this week's performances," says producer Clare O'Connor.

Tickets can be booked on 0844 871 3024 or at atgtickets.com/york