A book donation campaign launched by Fortitude Communications to inspire children to read has been hailed a “huge success” after attracting widespread support from local authors, schools, businesses and reading advocates.
The Oxford-based PR agency partnered with Assisted Reading for Children (ARCh) this month, urging the public to donate good-quality paperback books for volunteers to use when reading with primary school children across Oxfordshire.
More than 1,000 books have now been delivered to Fortitude’s Cowley headquarters. The collection will be passed on to ARCh to support its one-to-one reading work, helping pupils build confidence and strengthen literacy skills by developing a love of reading.
The strong response follows concerning data from the National Literacy Trust, which revealed that only one in three children aged eight to 18 enjoy reading in their free time. Some parents also admitted their children attempt to swipe or tap books as if they were digital screens.
Among those backing the campaign is retired teacher-turned-author Adrian Townsend. The 73-year-old published his first book, Gran’s Gang Go to Spain, in 2000 and has since sold more than 300,000 copies worldwide from his home in Garsington.
“All children should read, and they should enjoy it at the same time,” said Adrian.
“Of course, there is more choice these days with the introduction of phones and tablets. But I don’t believe reading is encouraged as much as it once was.
“Mostly everything I have achieved in my life I put down to my ability to read. So, when I read about Fortitude’s campaign with ARCh I was more than happy to help.”
Author Sandra Plumb, from Long Crendon near Thame, also contributed a selection of animal-themed titles including Figg the Funky Fox, Sparky the Spaniel and Lambster Rap.
“Writing books is a hobby for me,” said Sandra.
“But seeing my words come to life in the hands of young readers and connecting them to the animal kingdom fills me with an immense sense of purpose.
“Reading is so important for the development of every child. I was shocked to learn how few young people now enjoy reading in their spare time, and hope this campaign can make a difference.”
Greig Box Turnbull, founder of Fortitude Communications, added:
“We have been overwhelmed by the generosity and enthusiasm of people who share our passion for reading.
“Within days of the campaign’s launch, we had met with and spoken to authors, schools, local business leaders, parents and grandparents who were equally shocked as we were regarding how few children read for pleasure today.
“Reading is a joy and inspires and broadens the mind. It is vital to the development and prospects of children and it’s a profound tragedy many schools now don’t think students can even read a full novel anymore.
“We are grateful to everyone who has supported the campaign, which we hope will make a small difference to the broader challenge of inspiring more schoolchildren in Oxfordshire to read.”
Founded in 2017 by former Oxford United managing director and Daily Mirror journalist Greig Box Turnbull, Fortitude specialises in PR, marketing and video production across sectors including corporate, charity, sport, hospitality, healthcare and sustainability.
As part of the initiative, the agency will also produce a professional video highlighting ARCh’s work and its impact on local children and families.
Based in Bicester, ARCh provides one-to-one reading support for primary school children who struggle with literacy. In 2025, the charity supported 910 children in 111 Oxfordshire schools with the help of 301 volunteers.
