Pool Hayes Academy pupils have bookmarked this evening for charity as they prepare to read and raise money on World Book Night.

 Tonight, at 7pm, year 7 students from the school will read for an hour prior to Clap for Carers to help raise money for Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust’s charity, Well Wishers.

Well Wishers raises money for things over and above what the NHS is able to provide. It has set up a COVID-19 support fund to mark the end of the pandemic and will be working with staff to come up with something fitting.

As schools are shut for most pupils, Pool Hayes Library Manager Anne Plimmer came up with this idea for the children to not only read for enjoyment and their own wellbeing but to fundraise while doing so.

She said: “Our students wanted to do something to help staff during this time and I thought with World Book Night approaching what better way for our students to show support for their local hospital by reading for the charity!”

Year 7 pupil Kacey said: “I love my school especially the library! As an avid reader I am definitely ready to read for good on World Book Night and help the charity.”

Anne has also mentioned this idea to local food distributor A. F. Blakemore & Son Ltd which has kindly agreed to sponsor the year 7 pupils for a generous donation of £200.

Fancy supporting this fantastic fundraiser or making a donation to the Well Wishers COVID-19 support fund? Please click on this justgiving link https://bit.ly/3czWoyn