You are viewing your 1 free article this month. Login to read more articles.
Read for Good launches BBC Radio 4 appeal
Charity Read for Good is broadcasting an appeal on Radio 4 this week to raise funds to provide books and storytellers for children in hospital, who continue to be isolated by the pandemic.
The appeal is supported by National Book Tokens and the Booksellers Association which will jointly match-fund all donations up to £15,000. It will be broadcast on 13th February at 7.54 a.m. and 9.25 p.m. and again on Thursday at 17th February at 3.25 p.m.
Service user Hannah Beynon will present the appeal, sharing the story of how Read for Good’s books and storytelling sessions helped her teenage son, William, process a cancer diagnosis and cope with ongoing treatment during months in hospital.
The money raised by the appeal will help Read for Good continue its service in each of the 30 UK’s major children’s hospitals, filling its bright orange mobile bookcases with brand new books and providing resident storytelling sessions throughout the year. Book deliveries have continued throughout the pandemic, and storyteller sessions have become virtual while Covid-19 restrictions remain in hospitals.
Justine Daniels, chief executive of Read for Good, said: “We all know the power of a good story, but in hospital, for children like William, this becomes magnified. Transporting children in hospital to imaginary worlds can help them process trauma and relieve anxiety, supporting their mental health and wellbeing at the most difficult time. This BBC appeal, and the support of National Book Tokens and the Booksellers Association will help us to continue to provide comfort and escape at a time and in a place where a little distraction goes such a long way.”
Alex de Berry, National Book Tokens managing director, said: “National Book Tokens and the Booksellers Association are incredibly proud to support this appeal. We have worked with Read for Good for many years, to promote reading for pleasure in schools and support the important work they do making books available to children in hospitals across the UK. We hope this match-funding inspires others to support this wonderful campaign.”
