Barnes, now a writer and actor, and who later staged a play based on his wild days at the University of Central Lancashire, where he managed to run up £60,000 debt, admitted he couldn't be trusted with money.

By complete contrast former drama student Lyndi Smith who funded her way through three years training at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London to the tune of over £26,000, might be the kind of role model parents would prefer.

While still at RADA Lyndi put pen to paper hoping to share the secrets of her money-making success. A decade later, her book Free Degrees is now on sale, advising future generations of penniless students on how to finance their studies.

It has been praised by actors and university staff alike with Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson agreeing that the book offers, "sound and inspiring advice".

"It is quite humbling really to get an endorsement from Emma Thompson," says Lyndi modestly.

Free Degrees offers simple, effective guidance. But as the author states in the first chapter: "You will definitely need the following: perseverance, a fighting spirit, support from the people around you, a little luck, a dash of creativity, hard work".

She agrees that this challenge is not for the idle or faint hearted.

"Well I think not everybody is going to want to go out and raise £26,000 and, yeah, I do have a lot of confidence," she says.

"But for me it was a necessity. I needed to raise that money. A lot of people might not care so much or they go to university just because all their friends are. They're not going to bother raising that kind of money.

"But if you're absolutely desperate to go a certain university, you'll find a way."

It took Lyndi two years to secure a place at RADA, competing against thousands of others, so when finally the postivie phone call came she was thrilled and rushed off to celebrate with her friends.

Then the inevitable question popped up: How are you going to pay?

The answer: I don't know.

Lyndi had just £200 in her bank account, a gift from her family.

She was refused a grant or student loan and so was determined to find the money elsewhere.

Within three months she had raised £16,000, and within three years over £26,000, to fund her training.

"I sat down and had a look at the first year budget then broke it down into chunks and set myself targets.

"I remember searching through the Sunday Times Rich List and spending whole afternoons in the library looking through business books at the chief executives of the richest companies in England to write to. I put together leaflets about myself, which I sent off all over the place.
And I asked people for whatever they could afford."

Of all the replies, virtually all – 149 – were negative. Then one came back with a 'yes' for £3000 from Lord Rayne.

"Although it took me a week of sending a lot of letters and getting a lot of rejections in the end it paid off."

Lyndi did not expect all the cash to come from donations. She used her imagination and creativity to organise events like plays, karaoke nights and sales.

One charity challenge involved a "jail break". That raised £3,000 in itself."

Lyndi admits that the process was trial and error.
Fund-raising had its highs and lows. Lyndi is the first to admit that coping with rejection was tough. But she adds that much of the work was fun – particularly staging theatre productions.

She was surprised by the widespread generosity that she encountered.
"It was a real eye opener in terms of human kindness, in just how many people agreed to help.

"I hadn't expected that nearly everyone I spoke to would help even if it wasn't financially. They would support an event, a play or a car boot sale."

Times have changed since Lyndi began raising cash. With Britain now in the midst of recession such generosity may be harder to find.
But Lyndi remains positive.

"Don't be put off by the recession. I think people still want to help but you may have to ask for less and you might have to take different donations.

"I am no genius and if I can do it I am sure many many other people can."

Lyndi's cash-raising tips

• Be positive when asking people for help. Let them know what is needed, why and how you will use the money.


• Break down the likely costs and work out your budget.


• Write down your sources of income and set targets for fund-raising. Obvious sources are family, grants, charities, college bursaries and fund-raising events.


• Make a list of ideas for fund-raising activities and draw up a schedule.


• If you are eligible for any grants then apply and if your application is rejected then appeal the decision. There may be automatic or discretionary grants available, find out what criteria you need to fulfill for a successful application.


• Research charitable foundations and trusts which might be willing to help.


• Look up individuals and businesses who you could approach for sponsorship.


• Promote your campaign by attracting media attention which will generate interest in your fund-raising and publicity for your sponsors.