Did you know that 1 in 5 children in the UK do not own a book of their own? Reading and writing are fundamental skills that impact every aspect of life, from education and employment to health and well-being. Your donation will help to transform the life stories of children living in disadvantaged communities in the UK.

On average, children from the poorest backgrounds start school with literacy skills which are 19 months behind their more privileged peers. READ MORE HERE.

Children without these skills are held back at every stage of their lives. They are:

• Five times more likely to fail to meet the expected standards in English at age 11.

• Four times more likely to struggle to read as adults.

• Twice as likely to be unemployed aged 34.

• Three times more likely to have mental health problems as adults

For my Birthday In January 2025 I will be undertaking a wilderness endurance challenge in the heart of Arctic Lapland. Held over a long weekend this will incorporate a 35km dog sled race, 20km Nordic ski, ice fishing, orienteering and woodland fire lighting to raise money for the National Literacy Trust.

The Arctic is a uniquely stunning but a harsh environment with temperatures falling to -35°C and lower, so WISH ME LUCK! :O With little light in the day it means that many of the activities will take place in almost complete DARKNESS making it super challenging!

EVERY DONATION COUNTS! NO MATTER HOW BIG OR SMALL - IT WILL PROVIDE ESSENTIAL RESOURCES AND SUPPORT PROGRAMMES TO ENSURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS TO IMPROVE THEIR LITERACY SKILLS.