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Storytelling is at the heart of Read for Good. All our work, in schools, in hospitals, and in communities across the UK, is driven by the power of stories to improve children’s lives.

In our first Radio 4 Appeal, Hannah Beynon shared her son William’s real-life story: recalling how Read for Good helped him cope with the fear, anxiety and isolation that came with a cancer diagnosis, gruelling treatment and lengthy hospital stays, especially during a pandemic. We are incredibly grateful to the whole family for their courage, time and selflessness, even as William’s cancer returned.

Thanks to the extraordinary response of Radio 4 listeners, and a remarkably generous match funder, we are thrilled to announce that our Appeal raised a grand total of £58,011.

Your donations will help us gift around 27,000 carefully chosen new books and 224 days of professional storytelling sessions this year, benefiting children like William in the UK’s 30 major children’s hospitals, from Aberdeen to Truro, Belfast to Norwich.

“We are so pleased that the appeal has done so well and that so many more families will benefit from the joy of storytelling and books.  William has restarted treatment…. He is absolutely shattered but once again finding solace in reading – it's about the only thing he has energy for.” Hannah Beynon

National lockdowns and school closures have been devastating for so many of our children and young people. Seriously ill children in hospital remain very isolated and particularly at risk of falling behind. On behalf of thousands of families like William’s, thank you – your donations are making a difference at a crucial time.

You can find out more about Read for Good and our work .