As a country we are facing a Cost of Literacy Crisis. The opportunity and ability to read for pleasure have huge implications on a child's future, on their education, confidence, employability, wellbeing and mental health. Children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are starting school already with a literacy gap of 19 months. As a result they are not only more likely to struggle at school, but they are twice as likely to be unemployed by age 34 and three times as likely to develop mental health difficulties as an adult.

The importance of reading cannot be overstated.

And yet:

• 1 in 5 children between the ages of 5 and 8 do not own a single book, and this number is rising.

• Last year, over 185,000 5-year-olds in England started school without the communication and language skills they need.

• On average 9 children in every reception class are already falling behind.

• The disadvantage gap in early literacy skills is costing England over £800 million a year.

Where you were born and how wealthy your parents are shouldn’t dictate where you end up. The National Literacy Trust is working to offset this imbalance, running projects in lower income communities, supporting families, filling libraries, training teachers and helping school leavers into their first jobs. Donations will go to expanding this vital work in priority areas.

What the S&S Arctic Challenge Team is doing to raise money

• The Arctic Challenge is a four-day endurance challenge taking place 150 miles inside the Arctic Circle,

• in temperatures of minus 35 degrees

• and with just 5 hours of twilight per day.

• Based at a wilderness camp lodge without electricity, internet (or any home comforts)

• It includes a 35km dog-sledding time trial,

• a gruelling 20km cross-country skilling race (no I have never done this, yet)

• and an orienteering challenge finishing on a frozen lake, boring a hole through which to fish for dinner.

Please give if you can :)

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