Having had a great time running the half marathon last year, and, thanks to many of you, raising over £2000 for First Story, I am going to do the run again (and I hope raise similar amounts!).

For those of you who are just learning about First Story, we arrange and pay for acclaimed authors to be writers-in-residence in state schools across the country.

We aim to celebrate and foster creativity and literacy in young people. We're cheerleaders for books, stories, reading and writing. We've seen how creative writing can build students' self-esteem and self-confidence.

We help the students publish their work in magazines and anthologies, and arrange "open house" events at which the students can read their stories aloud to friends, families and teachers.

Since September 2009, we have had fourteen residencies under way at schools in London and Oxford, and this year we are launching 4 residencies in Nottingham and will be running 22 residencies in total.

We'd really appreciate any support you felt able to give and if you would like to know more about First Story, do visit our website www.firststory.co.uk or give me a call.

many thanks

charlotte