More than 1 in 4 children in England leave primary school unable to read well. One in eight children aged 5-8 in the UK don’t own a book of their own at home.

Bookmark improves children’s literacy through 1-1 reading support and promoting a reading for pleasure culture in disadvantaged primary schools across the UK.

I've had a very privileged upbringing with plenty of access to books, and I know this has helped me move through life with confidence. This is not the case for a huge amount of school children, who either cannot access books or are not encouraged to do so.

Literacy skills are essential to navigating life full stop, but reading for pleasure is key to greater imagination, communication and happiness.

In slogging through the Cheltenham half marathon I hope to raise money to help Bookmark fulfil their important work, which includes:

- Providing 1-1 reading support and role models

- Creating engaging reading spaces and diverse resources

- Nurturing 'whole school' reading cultures

- Providing teacher training and resources

- Encouraging family engagement in reading

I have (five years ago) run up to 10km previously. In four months I will run 21km. I need all the motivation I can get, so please donate whatever you're able to!