THE work of a Nailsworth-based children's charity featured on BBC One's Children in Need last night.

The charity, Read for Good, provides a regular supply of brand new books along with storyteller visits to brighten up the days of children in all of the UK’s main children’s hospitals.

Children unable to leave their beds can choose books from a specially designed mobile bookcase which wheels right up to their bedside.

As the books are brand new, they are safe for those at high risk of infection.

Brand new books are supplied every six weeks to reach some 150,000 ill children and their siblings every year.

The BBC Children in Need appeal film featured the story of five-year-old Maisy, who was diagnosed last year with a childhood renal cancer known as Wilm’s tumour.

With treatment including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery, the multiple stays at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children have been tough for Maisy and her family.

Read for Good’s Chief Executive, Justine Daniels said: “We all know the power of a good story, but in hospital, for kids like Maisy, this becomes a super power. Books and stories provide a much-needed escape out to the wider world when you're a child stuck in hospital.

"A little distraction goes a long way and allowing imagination to flourish is more important than ever.

"We’re thrilled we were given the opportunity to highlight the remarkable power of books and storytelling with this very special film featuring one of our storytellers, Wilf.”

BBC Children in Need is part-funding Read for Good’s programme in four hospitals for the next two years: Bristol Royal, Royal Devon and Exeter, Royal Alexandra in Brighton and Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro.

Alongside its programme in hospitals, the charity has also motivated millions of children since 1984 to read for fun through its sponsored Readathon in schools, with Roald Dahl being a former chair.

From running its Readathon across whole cities like Liverpool, Leicester and Manchester to boosting school libraries, Read for Good helps busy schools carve out time to read for fun.

One of the charity’s Patrons, Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson, was visiting Stroud Book Festival last weekend and said: “Read for Good’s vital work in schools and hospitals improves the life chances of children across the UK.

"It is great that the charity supports school libraries and that the school children who discover the delights of reading are also able to help bring books and stories to children in hospital.

"I’m so glad that Read for Good has had the opportunity to highlight the importance of reading for children, by appearing on BBC Children in Need’s prime-time appeal show”.

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