Leicester

I’m honoured to have been appointed Whatever it Takes’ first Patron of Reading for Leicester. I’m really looking forward to boosting reading for pleasure across Leicester schools.

Whatever it Takes (WiT) is the Leicester city-wide reading initiative to get every child in Leicester reading. The initiative is a collaborative approach to improve literacy levels across the city and is dedicated to ensuring that as a city we are all reading for pleasure.

Tim Redgrave, co-founder of the scheme welcomed the news. “I am delighted to hear that Steve is going to be a Patron of Reading for Leicester. The scheme has grown from strength to strength since its inception 6 years ago. It fosters a love of reading within children by generating a special bond between the child and the author.”

Project manager for Whatever it Takes, Nicola Gale says, “We are incredibly excited to be working in partnership with Steve to support and encourage Leicester’s young people to be great readers. Promoting a love of reading is at the heart of everything we do and Steve’s infectious enthusiasm will be an invaluable contribution to our work.”

I have already presented a cheque to the Leicester Royal Infirmary Hospital School for £11,000 – monies that were raised by the City-wide readathon and attended a fabulous day with Leicester Libraries at the Curve Theatre.

And there will be lots more to come!