Booksellers Take on London Marathon to Support Children's Reading Charity
Two dedicated booksellers are set to run the London Marathon this year, aiming to raise crucial funds for BookTrust, a leading children's reading charity. After months of intensive training, Helen Tamblyn-Saville and Francesco Volpe will join thousands of participants on the capital's streets for the challenging event on April 26.
Helen's Journey: Overcoming Obstacles for a Worthy Cause
Helen Tamblyn-Saville, the owner of Wonderland Bookshop in Retford, Nottinghamshire, has faced significant hurdles in her marathon preparation. Her training was disrupted by tonsillitis, a broken toe, and a chest infection, but she has persevered, now back to long Sunday runs and shorter morning sessions before opening her award-winning shop. Wonderland Bookshop was named Children's Bookseller of the Year at the British Book Awards in 2025, highlighting Helen's commitment to promoting literature.
Having previously run the marathon with a ballot place, Helen is eager to experience its unique community atmosphere and support once again. She emphasized the importance of books in today's world, stating: "I know how important books are and how much they mean to children and their families. The world is overwhelming and ever more fractured, and books for children are more important than ever, sparking joy, building communities, offering comfort, teaching empathy and more."
Helen added: "Every child deserves access to books, and books to call their own, and being able to support BookTrust in their work doing just that is a no brainer. And what better way to support and celebrate the National Year of Reading?"
Francesco's Transformation: From Novice Runner to Marathon Participant
Francesco Volpe, the lead bookseller at Waterstones in Darlington, County Durham, only began running just over a year ago and initially doubted he could surpass 10km. However, through connecting with other runners and learning new techniques, he now feels prepared to tackle the full marathon distance. Inspired by his work, Francesco chose to run for BookTrust, driven by a passion for children's literacy.
He explained: "I believe every child deserves the chance to fall in love with reading, no matter their background. Working in a bookshop, I see the spark in a child's eyes when they find a story that feels like it was written just for them. This is why BookTrust's work is so important, making sure children across the UK have access to books and the support they need to become readers for life."
The Impact of BookTrust: Empowering Young Readers Nationwide
Research underscores that reading from an early age profoundly impacts children's development, fostering strong bonds with caregivers and building essential life skills. BookTrust, the UK's largest reading charity, plays a pivotal role in this effort. Each year, it reaches millions of children, particularly those from low-income or vulnerable backgrounds, through partnerships with 30,000 local organizations across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, benefiting 1.4 million children annually.
Diana Gerald, Co-CEO of BookTrust, expressed gratitude for the booksellers' support: "We're incredibly grateful to Helen and Francesco for their support. As booksellers, they know just how powerful and potentially life-changing reading can be, especially for young children. Every penny they raise for BookTrust will go towards our mission of ensuring every child, no matter their background, has access to books and all the benefits shared reading brings. We wish our wonderful runners all the best on the big day!"
The marathon efforts by Helen and Francesco highlight a community-driven approach to supporting literacy, with funds directly contributing to BookTrust's initiatives. Their participation not only raises awareness but also celebrates the National Year of Reading, emphasizing the enduring value of books in children's lives.
