READATHON - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Trustee
- Director of Authors Aloud UK
Director of Authors Aloud UK and Review Editor for Carousel Children's Books, Annie was awarded the OBE in 2001 for services to children's books and libraries in recognition of her tireless work over 30 years as a qualified children's librarian, and for her involvement in numerous award-winning innovative services and initiatives including the Birmingham Centre for the Child, The Young Readers UK book festival, The Stories from the Web and the Derbyshire Big Book Bash for children in care and their carers. Annie is delighted to be able to put all of this to use in helping Read for Good in its mission to get all children in the UK reading for pleasure.
Job Titles:
- Trustee
- Advisor to the Board
I am a mum to three young children who love reading anything and everything so long as what they are reading isn't considered a ‘school book.' Comics, graphic novels, audiobooks, fables, picture books, magazines, and non-fiction books make up their literary diets! I am delighted to be able to assist Read for Good, where my role is to present our work to the wider world, keep the team updated on the latest research, and support the trustees.
My role reflects the huge range and reach of Read for Good's work; from looking after our 11 professional hospital storytellers and overseeing the six-weekly delivery of 120 brand new books in all of the UK's 30 major children's hospitals, to the distribution of free resource kits to thousands of schools throughout the year. Welcoming our growing band of enthusiastic volunteers who provide office support and help to collate and pack book donations in our warehouse, is another reason why I love coming to work every day! cherry@readforgood.org
Job Titles:
- Research and Partnerships
My role allows me to develop relationships with the most amazing individuals who share Read for Good's commitment to changing children and young people's lives through the power of stories and reading for pleasure. As there is so much evidence to support how transformative reading can be, it's my job to make sure we share this and that our work in schools and hospitals is driven by the latest research. I'm never far away from books, meaning that I can often be found in the local library, or sitting under a tree, reading to my toddler who loves stories. lucymartin@readforgood.org
Job Titles:
- Fundraising and Development
After working in publishing for many years, and then for various charitable causes, I could not miss the opportunity to make a difference through books, so aptly described by Stephen King as ‘a uniquely portable magic'. My role at Read for Good is not really about money, it's about making that difference - spreading the magic of brilliant books and spellbinding stories to as many children as possible. It's about working in partnership with all our incredible, like-minded supporters, to change lives. jane@readforgood.org
Job Titles:
- Fundraising and Communications
In the rare moments when we got along when we were younger, my big brother would read Captain Underpants to me before bed, transporting me to a world of superheroes and talking toilets! Ever since then, I've been a voracious reader, always waiting for the next story to bring some magic (and often some silliness) to my life. I'm delighted to share my love of reading, all the way from comics to classics, with our fabulous supporters here at Read for Good and bring that same joy to children and young people today. jenny@readforgood.org
One day I might be applying for funding from one of our generous funders and the next I might be collaborating with our hard-working partners to help get wonderful new books into the hands of more children across the country. What could be better?! As someone who spent more time than I should playing video games throughout secondary school, I am acutely aware of the uphill battle that reading faces, given this competition. This is why I feel so passionately about Read for Good's mission, because reading is deceptive: it is not only hugely enjoyable, it also creates skills and opportunities far greater than the sum of its parts. jonathan@readforgood.org
I have the privilege of leading the best team in the world, united in our passion to get the nation's kids to love reading. With two ‘reluctant readers' of my own, who themselves seem to be constantly hard-wired to some device or other, I know how difficult, but also how incredibly important it is to keep the magic of reading and stories alive. justine@readforgood.org
Job Titles:
- Chairman of Trustees
- Trustee
Kevin brings over 45 years' of experience in property and business, and sits on a number of Boards including for a Hospice and as a School Governor, giving him ideal experience and insight to support Read for Good's work in schools, hospitals and medical settings.
Paula has worked in children's book publishing for more than 20 years. A Managing Editor at DK, she produces non-fiction, illustrated books for children around the world in partnership with popular brands. Paula lives in London with her husband and two sons, and knows first-hand the challenges of getting children to read for pleasure, and also the joy and great benefits that it brings.
Rachel has a wealth of experience across a variety of roles at different schools; starting as a secondary school modern foreign languages teacher, Rachel has now moved to a language support role in a primary school. With a passion for reading and a love of children's literature she also ran the school library. Rachel is overjoyed to bring this experience to Read for Good.
Roald Dahl was Readathon's first Honorary Chair, and since then, we've enjoyed the support of countless authors and illustrators - in fact we've worked with nearly every Children's Laureate since this began in 1999!
Job Titles:
- Treasurer
- Trustee
- Chartered Accountant With 30 Years' Experience of the UK
Steve is a chartered accountant with 30 years' experience of the UK and global healthcare sectors. He has held directorships with a number of charitable organisations and became a trustee for Read for Good in June 2016.