Wallies don trainers to promote reading among London’s children

There’s still time to sign up for the National Literacy Trust’s Where’s Wally?-themed fun run taking place on Sunday, 22nd March. Places are still available for runners, book-lovers and families to dress up like a Wally and walk, jog or run either 5k or 10k to support literacy.
Back for the third year running (no pun intended!), a crowd of red and white “Wallies” will descend on East London’s own Victoria Park, where the Where’s Wally? fun run promises to bring enjoyment for the whole family. The run is suitable for runners and walkers of all abilities aged eight and over, and there’ll also be a range of games and activities available for younger children.
As the recent World Book Day saw thousands celebrate books and reading, it’s the perfect time to get involved and help the National Literacy Trust to spread the joy of reading with children across the UK. The event will raise funds to improve literacy in deprived communities across the UK, while promoting the link between books and fun.
The National Literacy Trust’s event manager Anna Jones said: “Our research shows that many children, in particular those from disadvantaged families, don’t enjoy reading. The funds raised in the Where’s Wally? run will play an important role in helping these children to discover a whole world of enjoyable books and improving literacy in the UK. Exercise and reading are two great ways for families to spend time together. The fun run gives adults and children the chance to get active while encouraging discussion around books and supporting the work of the National Literacy Trust.”
Speaking about the importance of literacy, Anna added: “The National Literacy Trust believes passionately that low levels of literacy are a barrier to a fairer society. Literacy has a great influence on an individual’s life chances – their ability to get a job, to be able to support their children, and ultimately their chances of leading a fulfilled life. The work of the National Literacy Trust makes a real difference in the UK’s poorest communities, raising levels of literacy and opening up new opportunities.”
We asked Anna if children read less in the modern day: “Results from the National Literacy Trust’s 2013 annual literacy survey of 30,000 8 to16-year-olds reveal that a third of UK children still read daily outside school,” she said. “However, preliminary findings from our latest research show that one child in three from Greater London doesn’t enjoy reading. What’s more, just 53% of disadvantaged pupils in London enjoy reading – 10% less than those from more advantaged backgrounds, which is the widest gap in the UK. While promoting the link between books and fun, the Where’s Wally? run will raise funds to close this gap by improving literacy in deprived communities across the UK.”
To raise levels of interest in literacy, Anna believes that everyone has a part to play in raising the profile of reading and literature in the UK – from parents and teachers to businesses and role models. “Parents have the greatest influence on how their child develops communication and literacy skills. We know from our research that children’s attitudes to reading are more positive if they see their own parent picking up a book and reading with children from an early age can have a lasting affect on their development. Taking part in the Where’s Wally? fun run as a family is a great way to spend time together, while encouraging conversation around reading. The National Literacy Trust’s Words for Life campaign for parents also has lots of helpful ideas and tips on how to support your child’s literacy development – log on to www.wordsforlife.org.uk to find out more.”
Ben Sacarello, aged 15, from Bow (pictured) participated in the Where’s Wally? fun run last year. He said: “I run in Victoria Park to keep fit, so when I saw adverts for the Where’s Wally? fun run last year, it sounded like such a great event that I really wanted to be involved. This year, I’ve been looking forward to the next Where’s Wally? fun run – especially as after cheering me on last year, my whole family are joining in.
“I was not sure what to expect last time, I arrived early and there was a great atmosphere already. There were lots of different people taking part – serious runners, groups of friends, families with babies in pushchairs – and everyone was really getting into the fun of wearing their Where’s Wally? costumes, which were handed to us as we arrived. It was a sunny day and all the runners in their costumes took part in a warm-up session that was led by a trainer and accompanied by brilliant carnival music to get everyone in the mood. Although some people were serious runners, most were just having a really fun day out, jogging or walking round the course and all cheered on by loads of people who had either come to support or had seen the commotion and come over to see what was happening. At the end of the fun run, everyone was given a medal, and for the rest of the day I kept seeing people in Where’s Wally? outfits!”
Ben is really looking forward to running this year. “Since the Where’s Wally? fun run last year, I have taken part in lots of other fun runs too. I really enjoyed Where’s Wally? though, especially dressing up and running surrounded by loads of other runners in costumes. I am excited about this fun run and am looking forward to my whole family joining in too. All of us in Where’s Wally? outfits is going to make a good family photo! I raised more than I’d expected to last time. People were very generous and got involved, which was kind of them. I’m hoping to raise £250, and if I get to £300 I’ll be very pleased.”
Ben loves reading fiction based on military history, but his favourite book “without a doubt” is The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon. He explained: “It’s the story of an autistic boy who, while his parents are splitting-up, is investigating the death of his family’s pet dog. I read it when I was eleven years old and couldn’t put the book down until I’d finished it. I recommend it to everyone, adults and teenagers alike.”
All participants in the Where’s Wally? fun run will be provided with a free official Where’s Wally? costume, which includes a bobble hat, glasses and stripy top in the style of the well-loved protagonist of the series of children’s books created by British illustrator Martin Handford. Registration for the run costs £25 and includes the costume, with all proceeds going to the National Literacy Trust. The money raised will help the charity to provide books and storytelling events for children from low-income homes and one-to-one support for parents who are unconfident with literacy.
•Show your stripes for literacy and join the Where’s Wally? fun run in Victoria Park on Sunday, 22nd March. For more information, go to:
http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/support/fundraising_and_events/fun_run