*WRONG DATE ATTACHED - IT'S TAKING PLACE ON THE 19TH*

We're abseiling down the cathedral. Why? Because stories matter.

I (Sean) work for The Reader and I get to see just how powerful their work is every day. They help people feel less alone, more connected and just a bit more human. And that's just the bit I see from the office!

Across the UK, in prisons, hospitals, libraries, cafés and community centres, The Reader brings people together through something called Shared Reading.

What’s Shared Reading you ask? Trained volunteers read short stories, novels and poems aloud in small groups. No pressure to read aloud or even speak, just the space to listen, reflect, and, if you want to, share.

It’s simple but seriously powerful. People connect, open up, laugh, cry and feel seen, often for the first time in ages. Plus, it’s free for everyone.

So, me and my ever so supportive partner Ami (who is also a big believer in the joy of reading, community and people actually talking to each other) are going to Spider-(Wo)Man down a cathedral wall to raise a bit of cash to keep this boss work going.

We’re asking for a few quid to help The Reader:

• Train and support amazing volunteers around the UK

• Run Shared Reading groups in places that need them most

• Provide reading materials and support for all those groups

•Start new projects in new communities

We’ll even throw in some pics of us dangling off the side of a giant church, because we know you want to see that!

Cheers for reading. G’wed, chuck a couple of quid in if you can!

Want to know more about what The Reader does? Head to www.thereader.org.uk and check out the outdoor cinema while you’re at it. That’s boss too :)