Highly acclaimed author and one of our Trustees, Joanna Trollope visited Middlesbrough earlier this week to find out more about the work of the Middlesbrough Reading Campaign and talk about her writing at the local library.
She enjoyed meeting staff and volunteers at a children’s centre, where we run our Early Words Together programme. Joanna then went on to visit staff, volunteers and families at the local hospital where she heard about the work being done to distribute books and provide literacy support in the children’s wards and neonatal unit.
Joanna said:
“My time in Middlesbrough was brilliant with remarkable visits to the children’s centre and hospital where I was so impressed by the sheer commitment of everyone I encountered. Talking in Middlesbrough Reference Library was a great experience - a wonderful building and an audience to match.”
Cathy Brammar, Clinical Matron for Children and Young People at South Tees NHS Foundation Trust said:
“It was lovely for our wonderful therapeutic care volunteers who are so dedicated to improving patient experience to receive support from Joanna Trollope for encouraging reading at the hospital. A visit from such an inspiring author really brightened up the day.”
Ruth Cull, Middlesbrough Council’s Library Development Officer said:
“It was a fantastic event – everyone really enjoyed it and it was great to meet Joanna.”