Read for Good, the national charity that champions children's reading for pleasure in schools and hospitals, is broadcasting its first ever BBC Radio 4 Appeal this week to raise much-needed funds to provide books and storytellers for children in hospital, who continue to be especially isolated by the pandemic.

National Book Tokens and The Booksellers Association are adding their weight to the national appeal, recognising the profound and far-reaching effects reading for pleasure can have on a child.

Broadcast on Sunday 13 th February at 7.54am and 9.25pm and again on Thursday at 17th February at 3.25pm, Hannah Beynon presents the appeal on behalf of Read for Good and shares the moving 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. To help inspire potential donors, Read for Good’s long-standing partners, National Book Tokens and The Booksellers Association, are jointly match-funding all donations up to £15,000.

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 restrictions remain in hospitals.

Chief executive at Read for Good, Justine Daniels 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 well-being 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.”

Read for Good’s programme in hospitals is partly funded by schools running its long-established Readathon which National Book Tokens has supported since 2013, helping children to develop a life-long love of reading by finding the books they love.

National Book Tokens Managing Director Alex de Berry 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.”

To listen to the appeal and donate please visit: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0014fwx &  https://www.readforgood.org/radio-4-appeal