This year, my colleagues and I shall be running the London Landmarks Half Marathon in support of one of Irwin Mitchell's charity partners, National Literacy Trust (NLT). This incredible charity is dedicated to improving literacy levels across the UK, empowering individuals of all ages with the skills they need to succeed.

Every donation, no matter the size, will be greatly appreciated. Please join me in supporting The National Literacy Trust and making a lasting impact.

A little bit about NLT:

Children should not have their potential cut short before their lives have even really begun. On average, children from the poorest backgrounds start school 19 months behind other children.

The money raised by NLT will help transform the life stories of disadvantaged children throughout the UK. Without literacy skills, children are:

- five times more likely to fail to meet the expected standards in English at age 11

- four times more likely to struggle to read as adults

- twice as likely to be unemployed aged 34

- three times more likely to have mental health problems as adults

Literacy is more than just reading and writing; it’s about opening doors to opportunities, fostering confidence, and building stronger communities. By supporting this charity, you will help to provide essential resources and programs that make a real difference in people’s lives.

Last year, NLT reached nearly 580,000 children through the distribution of books and literacy resources. We help more than 6,500 schools and early years settings deliver outstanding literacy provision and support families who need it most.

Thank you for supporting us and the work of the National Literacy Trust!