Don Ledingham
39 Steps - The John Buchan Way
Fundraising for Scottish Book Trust
Story
On Sunday 26th March I will be walking from to Broughton to Peebles via the John Buchan Way to celebrate one of Scotland's most famous and popular novels - The 39 Steps.
As one of the Scottish Book Trust's Bookfellas I have pledged to raise £1000 to encourage more men to take up reading for pleasure and highlight the importance of dads reading to their children.
Win a first edition copy of The 39 Steps (Published in 1915)
Everyone who sponsors me will have the opportunity to win a first edition copy of John Buchan's 'The 39 Steps' by being entered into a draw to take place that afternoon on the conclusion of the walk.
Why raise money?
Reading and writing are the most important factors in reducing the attainment gap, they improve mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and dementia, and they influence our work, relationships and the economy.
We live in a Scotland where 1 in 5 children are growing up in poverty, children from deprived backgrounds often do not go on to higher education and 35% of the adult population lack the literacy skills expected of an eleven-year-old.
Reading for pleasure is more important to educational achievement and future success than wealth or background. We know that fewer boys and men read for pleasure. And we know that only a quarter of dads under 25 read to their children, compared to over 60% of mums in the same age group.
The money raised aims to double the number of dads reading to their children.
The Scottish Book Trust
The Scottish Book Trust has enriched the health, wellbeing and life chances of millions of people in Scotland through their reading and writing programmes.
Last year alone, they:
- delivered over 23,000 free Bookbug song, story and rhyme sessions, reaching over 586,000 families
- provided a high-quality programme of events and creative learning opportunities which inspired over 200,000 children to enjoy books and develop their reading and writing skills
- reached an audience of more than 300,000 through Book Week Scotland
- supported 6,000 vulnerable people and young adult learners to develop literacy skills through our innovative graphic novels
- nurtured Scotland’s writing talent through funding, mentoring and developing their work with our writers awards.
Through reading and writing, the Scottish Book Trust are working towards a Scotland where everyone, no matter what their background, has the same opportunities to thrive.