Ok so, I was never a very sporty kid at school. As in, picked last for sports, can't hit a ball or run in a straight line not very sporty. Nope, I'd have rather tidied the equipment cupboard or be sent to the library to read than take part in P.E.

This changed when I developed a real love for running, somewhen in my 30s. I realised that with running comes a similar sense of freedom from real life as I got from books. Admittedly, running is a lot more physical but, just like reading, it allows me to switch off and think about nothing very much for a time.

With running came the need to push and challenge myself (I do the same with reading!) and so I signed up for a number of 5 and 10k races. Eventually, I ran a half marathon and completed two Tough Mudders. For a while, I figured I was done and even gave up running for a couple of years.

Turns out I am not done running,  as here I am, just over a month away from another half-marathon, this time for the National Literacy Trust. Finally, my love of reading and running has come together as I use one to fundraise for the other. Reading is a huge part of who I am, the ability to lose myself in a book is the only superpower I'll ever need. I was fortunate though to grow up in an environment that encouraged and indulged my love. Not all children are that lucky and in my time as an English teacher, I see how many children do not have access to the simple pleasure and magic of reading. Hence why I have chosen to support the National Literacy Trust who are "dedicated to raising literacy levels across the UK." 

According to their website, they "work to improve the reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in the UK's most disadvantaged communities, where one in three people have low levels of literacy.

Our research shows that during the initial school closures in 2020, 3 in 5 children and young people said that reading made them feel better. 3 in 10 said that reading helped them when they feel sad because they cannot see their family and friends.

Because low literacy is intergenerational, we focus our work on families, young people and children."

I have been tasked by the trust to raise at least £350 and for that, I need your help. Any little helps - think, for the price of a standard paperback (approximately £6.99 these days) you could help to change and enrich a child's life through the gift of reading. 

Thank you!