Help a Blind Artist Study at Art College

My name is Kimberley Burrows and it is my dream to become an artist and illustrator despite my severe visual impairment. I was previously the RNIB's Young Illustrator of the Year for 2014 and have worked on a variety of projects since.

This includes being involved with the Memory Makers project as part of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust illustrating the story of Holocaust survivor Sabina Miller, designing the front cover of the UK Scouts magazine's Get Active! ability issue, creating a Christmas card for Henshaws - a local charity supporting people with sight loss and other disabilities that I volunteer with, illustrating a composition for John Lewis to celebrate their 150th birthday which was displayed at their cafe in the Trafford Centre and creating an illustration for the One Man's Vision exhibition displayed at Salford Museum and Art Gallery.

I have a tiny amount of central vision in just one eye, with light perception in the other, but this has never stopped me from loving and appreciating all things art! I received an A* in Art in my GCSE's and want to continue my studies by going into further education.
I was born as a premature baby suffering from underdeveloped optic nerves and Congenital Cataracts that weren't noticed until I was 4 years old. After spending the majority of my childhood at Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital in London, travelling constantly from my home city of Manchester, I discovered my love of drawing through the various coloured pencils and crayons that would await me in the playroom after having my many operations on my eyes and ears to give me the best chance at life as possible. 

I recently applied to the Leeds College of Art and, while my application and interview were met with such positivity and enthusiasm from my tutor, I am struggling to find funding to help live in student accommodation during the course. The fee of the course itself is fairly reasonable and is fine for me to pay myself but the accommodation price is rather extortionate (over £5,000 for just one year alone!) and I just don't have that kind of money.

After some research, I have discovered local accommodation in Leeds by "host families", where my Guide Dog and I will be able to live in a safe and secure home environment for a much cheaper price than if we were to stay in student flats. I now need help to fund my accommodation as sight-related charities and the college itself are unable to help. I'm now taking matters into my own hands and, as with my blindness, I won't let this stop me from studying, achieving what I set out to do and enjoying what I love so passionately! I am hardworking, determined and enjoy a challenge so won't let this setback stop me!
I'm hoping to start college this September (2015) beginning with a Level 2 course and then building my way up to Level 3 (A Level) and a Degree in either Fine Art or Illustration. Level 2 is not funded by a student loan so my alternative is to raise money myself for somewhere local and safe to stay that is relatively close to the college.

Anything I receive by way of generous donation will be very much appreciated. Thank you very much for taking the time to read my story, I'm truly grateful!