Youngsters take on reading challenge

A group of youngsters will be picking up their favourite books as they take part in a page-turning fundraising challenge.

Last year, Esmee Tegg-Clarke set out to raise £20 by reading 20 books, but her efforts managed to raise an amazing £1,200 for the Hospice.

This year, Esmee has decided to open up the challenge to her friends, with a group of youngsters, some of whom attend Abbots Green Community Primary School, all racing through the pages to raise funds for the charity.

Aged between one and 11 the children will all be trying to read as much as they can over the half-term week. Some are attempting to read a whole novel in a week, with others pledging to read a book a day and the younger children reading picture books.

Angela Tegg, Esmee’s mother, said: “Whatever the challenge, I’m sure you’ll all agree that these amazing youngsters are doing a wonderful thing by giving up their school holiday time, to raise money for a most deserving charity.

“I’m certainly very proud of each and every child who has volunteered their time to take part.”

Esmee first decided she wanted to raise funds for the charity in memory of her granddad Terry.

Although her granddad died before she was born, she was aware of the hospice and how it helped her family and after walking past a Hospice shop and recognising the sign Esmee said, she wanted to help.

George Chilvers, a Hospice Community Fundraiser, said: “We are so grateful to all of the youngsters taking part in the reading challenge.

“Last year Esmee did a brilliant job and we are so pleased her friends are joining in with her efforts. All of the children are determined to do the very best they can to raise as much as possible for the charity, and they are all making a huge difference.”

You can support the youngsters’ efforts here: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hospicereadingchallenge