***STOP PRESS: WE'VE DONE IT!***

As our campaign draws to a close, we at Winstone's Hunting Raven Books, wanted to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your contribution to our Marcus Rashford campaign.

We started with what we thought was the reasonable ambition of raising £500 so we could donate some copies of Marcus Rashford's book to kids who might not otherwise have access to it in and around Frome.

After several incredibly generous early donations, and an overwhelming outpouring of support, we ended up smashing our targets and raising our sights several times. We have now raised over £3,200 through this JustGiving page and more besides through direct donations in the shop. Meaning we have reached our (final) goal!

In one final wonderful twist, we received news from Marcus' publisher, PanMacmillan that they are going to match us book for book - meaning that we will soon be distributing over 1200 copies of the book to kids and schools in Frome and the surrounding area.

You all rock!

In 2020, footballer Marcus Rashford emerged as one of the heroes of the Covid Year – pressing the government to provide free school meals through the holidays, and using his remarkable online platform to support local food banks and community groups. Marcus’ own experiences of childhood poverty lent him a credibility that other well-meaning celebrities lacked, and his calm and dignified manner has had the effect of making people listen.

Now, Marcus has drawn upon his experiences to write an inspiring and thoughtful book for young people – from as young as 9 up to as old as 16 – called ‘You Are a Champion: How to be the Best You Can Be’. As Marcus says in the introduction: “This book is the book I wish I’d had, and it’s my way of trying to lend a hand on your journey; No matter who you are and no matter where you come from, every single person in the world has the potential to be a champion.”

Marcus and his publishers Pan Macmillan are keen to see as many books reaching readers who might not otherwise get hold of a copy, so we at Winstone’s Hunting Raven Books have teamed up with them to help do just that.

Through our Just Giving campaign we aim to distribute over 600 copies of the book to young people who might otherwise not have access to it; both by providing a set of books to each and every school in Frome and the surrounding villages, and also by working with our friends at Fair Frome and the children’s charity Purple Elephant to get the book directly into the hands of disadvantaged or vulnerable young people.

It’s a big ambition, and Frome Town Rotary have made a very generous donation of £500 to kick things off, but we are determined to make the biggest difference we possibly can. And we would love your help!