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Reading Heroes
As a result of all the work from 2008's National Year of Reading, thirty Reading Heroes were awarded by the Prime Minister’s wife, Sarah Brown, at No 10 Downing Street. The Reading Heroes were selected for either their hard work in supporting others to improve their reading skills or for overcoming personal difficulties to improve their own reading abilities. Three celebrity Reading Heroes were also acknowledged – Louis Ferrante, ex-mobster turned author, Anthony Horrowitz and Katie Price.
Reading ‘Heroes’ honoured by PM’s wife at Number 10
Following a nationwide hunt for heroes 30 Year of Reading ‘Heroes’ were honoured in a ceremony at No 10 Downing Street. The awards were presented by the Prime Minister’s wife, Sarah Brown, at a special ceremony which took place on Thursday 26th February marking the culmination of The National Year of Reading.
The Reading Heroes have been selected for their outstanding contribution to reading in the community or for their compelling personal achievements to overcome reading difficulties.
Three celebrity Reading Heroes were also acknowledged – Katie Price, children’s author Anthony Horrowitz and ex-mobster Louis Ferrante.
Says Louis Ferrante: “Receiving this award, meeting Sarah Brown and visiting No 10 has been an amazing experience. Mrs Brown was so personable, she really showed such interest in what we’ve achieved and in the difference that individuals can make within a community - it is so great to know that she really understands the importance of reading in every area of life.
Continues Louis: “I am sure that all my fellow Reading Heroes are, like me, determined to make sure that other people get the support they need to improve their reading skills. If you don’t enjoy reading or find it difficult there are some great organisations out there to help. Take it from me - improving your reading can change your life!”
Sarah Brown said: "It was a real pleasure to welcome the Reading Heroes to No 10 today and to meet such an inspirational group of people. They all have incredible stories to tell, from the people who have learned to read later on in life to those who have helped others discover the great pleasure of reading and books. They all show how reading can enrich and transform lives."
The Reading Heroes
AHMED IBRAHIM
Ahmed’s story is a true story of triumph over adversity. Forced to flee Afghanistan and his family aged just 14, Ahmed came to the UK unable to speak any English. In less than 12 months he has learnt to speak and read English fluently and will be taking his English GCSE next year.
ASHNI SEDANI
Ashni was selected for her work with children with learning disabilities at the Harrow based charity, Community Link Up. Aged just 17, Ashni approached Community Link Up to help her establish 'Write Here Write Now' a learning programme which helps children to improve their literacy levels through one-on-one support given by young volunteers every Saturday morning.
BEVERLEY HUMPRHEY
Beverley champions reading at Woolwich Polytechnic School and has always been dedicated to helping children to improve their reading and writing skills. To celebrate the National Year of Reading Beverley organised a global event, The Write Path, which captured the imagination of the judges as well as pupils from around the world. Fifteen schools from Stockport to Saigon took part and the event was such a success that it will be continued this year.
DINAH MCINTYRE
Local mum of four Dinah is a real success story and it was her incredible achievements that captured the attention of the Year of Reading judges. When she realised that not being able to read meant that she couldn’t help her children as much as she wanted, Dinah decided to make some drastic changes to her life and signed up for a basic language course at the local Adult Education College. After completing the course Dinah joined the parent group at Abbotsmede School where she began to improve her basic skills. Not only has Dinah learnt to read herself, she is now a ‘reading buddy’ and helps other children as well as her own to overcome their difficulties reading.
HEMA MACHERLA
Hema’s story is inspiring. Arriving in the UK along with her husband Hema spoke very little English and was completely isolated. Determined to fit in she decided to learn to read. Beginning with children’s books from the local library Hema patiently taught herself to read, speak and write English. Last year she became a published author, in English, and her novel, Breeze from the River Manjeera¹, reached the top 26 out of 44,000 entries for the Richard & Judy Novel writing competition.
MALCOLM WRIGHT
Malcolm caught the attention of judges for his inspirational Internet work to make reading more accessible to deaf children. His free website,www.signedstories.com, features children’s books accessible not just in sound, text and vision but also in British Sign Language. It will grow into an online library of over 300 contemporary children’s books from the best authors in the UK.
Launched officially this month by ITV, it’s been made possible through a partnership of national publishers, charities, sponsors, authors and illustrators, supported by celebrities including Dame Helen Mirren, Robbie Coltrane, Zoë Wanamaker, Bill Oddie, Ricky Hatton, Julia Sawalha and Sir Trevor McDonald.
MICHAELA DUNGATE
Michaela is a true Reading Hero. A pioneer of Foster a Book (FAB) in Cornwall, Michaela has been providing the county’s foster children with books for almost six years. Every year each child receives a book token so they can buy a book of their own choice for keeps. FAB’s underlying philosophy is to encourage lifelong reading and ensure that all children in care have a library ticket.
NITIN DABASIA
Nitin is an excellent example of how reading has changed in the past 20 years. Selected for his voluntary work with Digitall, Nitin teaches people to access information and read online. Through Wikipedia and online newspapers Nitin has helped numerous people who have not grown up with digital technology to develop online skills that will help to make their lives easier.
RICHARD RATCLIFFE
Richard caught the attention of the judges for his prolific work with the Calibre Audio Library, a library which lends audio books to the visually impaired and sufferers of dyslexia nationwide. Over the past 20 years Richard, an actor by profession, has recorded over 250 audio books for Calibre which is the equivalent of one a month. He has made a difference to the lives of countless readers and makes a very deserving Reading ‘Hero’.
SUE TORR MBE
It is not hard to see why Sue’s amazing story captured the attention of the Year of Reading judges. For most of her life Sue was unable to read or write. A published author and playwright, she has now mastered these skills to an exceptional level. However, it is her drive to help others and to raise awareness of the importance of reading that really made Sue stand out from the crowd. Sue has helped countless groups in the Plymouth and the UK and is now campaigning locally for libraries to designate areas to people with difficulty reading and writing.
SUSAN CAMPBELL
Susan’s efforts to support visually impaired readers (VIPs) in West Berkshire captured the attention of the Year of Reading Judges. Not only does she assist at Newbury Library VIP Readers’ Group, Susan also helps a dedicated team of volunteers with the Kennet Cassette, by reading, editing and distributing the Talking Newspaper to locally visually impaired residents.
DOE MASON
Doe has been fundraising to support reading in the local community for years. She was instrumental in setting up The Old School Centre in South Brent and manages a team of 30 volunteers to ensure the facility is open for 5½ days every year. The Year of Reading judges were bowled over by her dedication to this excellent community facility. Thanks for her passion for books people in the local area will benefit for years to come.
JENNIE ESPINER
Jennie caught the eye of the judges due to her steadfast and exemplary work in education and literacy. A long-term reading champion, Jennie has spent her entire professional career encouraging people to develop their reading skills and enhance their enthusiasm for the printed word. As well as holding classes in prisons, army barracks and drop-in centres Jennie has run numerous adult literacy programmes and evening classes.
JERMAINE DALEY
Jermaine caught the eye of the judges for his work inspiring years 7 to 13 to enjoy reading. An English teacher and football coach, Jermaine is described by students as ‘a legend’ and despite being only 30 he has already converted a lot of reluctant readers in to avid bookworms. His innovative approach to life and literacy, inside and outside the classroom, makes him a well deserving Reading Hero.
PAUL COOKSON
Poet and football fan Paul Cookson was selected for his ability to transform reluctant readers, especially children, in to avid readers of poetry. His poems with their strong rhythm, rhyme and popular subject matter, including football and Whoopee cushions, have inspired children across the country to read and write poetry.
PAUL GOBEY
Paul caught the attention of the judges for his dedication to improving the library services for children and young people in Leicestershire, something he has developed funding partnerships for for the past 27 years! He has raised thousands of pounds, founded numerous storytelling and reading activities, encouraged many reluctant readers to discover the magic of stories and is undoubtedly a true Reading Hero.
ALAN OAKES AND MICK NEVILLE
Local union reps Alan and Mick have been awarded the accolade of Reading Heroes for their work to inspire colleagues at Fletchers Bakeries to rediscover reading. One of their converts is now an avid reader having not picked up a book for 20 years – a real change of heart!
ARLENE SHEEHAN
As well as being a mother, wife and part-time nurse, over the past two years Arelene has dedicated her time to teaching people in Northampton to master reading. Her voluntary work has helped people from all over the community, from local mothers who can now assist their children with their homework to non-English speakers. She is now part of the ‘New to the UK’ team at the Jesus Centre in Abington Square and specialises in helping newcomers to the country to learn to read, write and speak English.
CAROL PARCHMENT
Local entrepreneur Carol Parchment, or Auntie Carol as she is known in the community, has been selected for inspiring young people and adults to learn to read. Carol’s internet café, Cyberjuices, in Gilpin Square has become a hub for reading and learning in Hackney. Her new project, Need to Read to Succeed, which starts at the end of May aims to encourage local residents to improve their reading skills and includes help with reading and writing CVs.
RACHAEL DYER
Rachael caught the eye of the judges, as well as other local celebs, for her work to encourage boys and their dads to enjoy reading. Thanks to Rachael local footballers, DJ’s, the British Transport Police and the local firemen have all devoted their time to become Reading Ambassadors, helping to motivate reluctant readers to discover the value of a good book.
LOUISE JONES AND JANE DAVIS
Louise’s story is one of triumph over adversity and a great example of the power of reading. A sufferer of Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of autism, and debilitating diabetes, social situations are frequently challenging for Louise. Books have always provided a welcome escape but it wasn’t until last year, The National Year of Reading, that the social benefits of reading came to the fore. Through the local Shakespeare Get Into Reading Group, Louise has now taken part in a Shakespeare play, in front of hundreds of people, overcoming enormous personal and physical barriers.
Jane has been awarded for setting up The Reader Organisation and Get Into Reading Groups which Louise is a member of! As a young single mother Jane read a novel that changed her life. The book in question motivated her to go back to school, on to University and then to study for a PhD. A true Reading Hero, Jane uses her skills and enthusiasm to encourage other people in Merseyside to discover the benefits of reading. She has now set up over 80 Get Into Reading (GIR) groups which aim to help others to change their lives, as she has, through books.
SHAHEEN MOGRADIA
Shaheen, who is just 17, was selected for her work as a Book Waiter at High Street Library’s Headspace in Bolton. Headspace is where young people aged 11 to 19 can read, listen, surf and ‘chill’. Shaheen, who volunteers her time, has helped lots of local teenagers to learn to love reading. It is not hard to see why her commitment and ability to help others has earned her the recognition of the Year of Reading judges.
JANE MATTHEWS
Jane captured the attention of the judges for her dedication to helping people in South Yorkshire to discover and enjoy reading. Her work with visually impaired groups at Doncaster Central Library was specifically highlighted. Jane also encouraged new people to join the local Reading Groups by inviting well known authors to attend and read extracts from their books.
JASMINE METCALFE
Nominated by the RNIB, Jasmine, who is blind and reads in Braille, is a role model for all children. At her school, South Molton Community College, she is a member of the club that shadows the Carnegie Children’s Book Prize. She inspired and encouraged her fellow sighted students, quickly reading all 7 shortlisted books in Braille and then featuring in the film they made about their favourite books. Jasmine’s choice was “Apache” by Tanya Landman.
JANICE HUTTON
Janice, who has dyslexia, is a social worker based within Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Trust. She caught the attention of the judges through her inspirational work at the Trust’s Roycroft clinic in Gosforth. In addition to successfully campaigning for improved access to books, she has set up reading groups and hosted reading sessions with well known authors. Her work has helped many adolescent patients to benefit from reading.
JOYCE PEACOCK
A founder member of the Winchester Visual Impaired People (VIP) Reading Group, 80 year old Joyce Peacock epitomises a true ‘Reading Hero’. Devastated by her loss of sight, Joyce was determined to continue her passion for reading and to help other visually impaired people to enjoy the freedom that reading offers. She has now been doing so for over 10 years. The Winchester VIP Reading Group, which using audio books runs along the same lines as mainstream reading groups, has been replicated all over the UK with 14 VIP groups now in Hampshire alone.
