Darcy Bussell, Principal Ballerina of the Royal Ballet yesterday handed a cheque of £203,483 to Save the Children to help rebuild the lives of children affected by the Tsunami. ....click here to read more

The money was raised by a unique performance on Easter Sunday 2005, in which staff and artists of the Royal Opera House came together - in the first staff-led initiative at Covent Garden - for an evening of music and dance to raise money for Save the Children's Tsunami Rehabilitation Fund.

Everyone involved gave their time and services free as members of The Royal Ballet, The Royal Opera and The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House performed in front of a full house. Sarah Bateson, Head of Events for Save the Children said: "We are delighted to accept this cheque and would like to thank the staff and artists of the Royal Opera House for their time. The money raised will be used to support Save the Children in its long-term aid work."

The tsunami on 26 December generated a level of public generosity of astonishing speed and proportions. It will take years for the people in the countries affected to rebuild their lives.