Irthlingborough's 'Book Dragon' taking on 11k charity run in celebration of her 11th birthday

A youngster from Irthlingborough is set to run 11k to mark her 11th birthday and raise more than £1,500 for charity.

11-year-old Georgia Humphreys whose nickname is the Book Dragon, has given her time to support children whose literacy and learning have been most affected by Covid-19 in the last year, by taking on the fundraising challenge.

She’s training to run 11k on May 15, a record distance for herself and her parents, to raise money for the National Literacy Trust and celebrate her 11th birthday.

All the money Georgia raises from her challenge is going to help the National Literacy Trust in their mission to raise literacy levels in communities, schools and areas that need literacy support most, giving children and young people a route out of poverty through literacy and changing their life stories.

Georgia started training with her mum in December 2020, working up to running longer distances as time went on, with the aim of completing 11k, which is further than she or her parents have run before, on May 15 in celebration of her 11th birthday.

She is encouraging others to join her run virtually, however they can, and friends and family will be cheering her on around the route from a safe distance.

Georgia has always had a real love of reading and wants to help other children discover the joy of reading too.

Georgia is nicknamed the Book Dragon after meeting authors Chris Smith, who grew up in Raunds near to Georgia’s hometown, and Greg James at a book signing for the third book in their Kid Normal series, Kid Normal and the Shadow Machine.

It is also because she’s an avid reader and very proud to have read more than 500 books.

Georgia set out to raise £1,000 by May 15, when she will be taking on her final 11k run, and she has already exceeded this, with her current fundraising total at £1,583 with gift aid.

Georgia of Irthlingborough said: “I have loved reading for as long as I can remember.

"Reading has fuelled my dreams and imagination and I want everyone to have access to books and be inspired just as I have, that’s why I wanted to take on this challenge for the National Literacy Trust.

"Every penny I raise will make a difference to disadvantaged children who need literacy support.

"Every time I train, I recommend a book that has inspired me this year to push on and achieve more.

"Thank you to everyone who has supported me so far and please do donate if you can."

Katharine Tinker-Switzer, fundraising manager at the National Literacy Trust, said: “We are so grateful to Georgia for her outstanding achievements and fundraising efforts.

"She’s really committed to completing this challenge and highlights how joyful and important reading is.

"Her dedication is so impressive, she’s a real inspiration to everyone.

"We’d like to thank everyone who has supported Georgia and her family along the way too.

"Good luck for your final run Georgia.”

For updates and book recommendations visit Georgia’s Facebook page and follow her on Twitter (@little_melios).

You can donate to Georgia’s fundraising page here to help the National Literacy Trust give disadvantaged children the literacy skills they need to succeed in life.

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