Book donation campaign hailed a ​“huge success”

The Oxford-based PR agency partnered with Assisted Reading for Children (ARCh) this month and encouraged people to donate good quality soft back books which volunteers could read to children the charity engages in schools across Oxfordshire. 

More than 1,000 books have since been delivered to Fortitude’s Cowley headquarters, which will now be passed on to ARCh in support of its work to help primary school pupils improve their confidence and literacy skills by developing a love for reading. 

The overwhelming response was prompted by shocking figures released by the National Literacy Trust which found just one in three children aged eight to 18 enjoy reading in their free time. Some parents also admitted their children try to swipe or tap a book when attempting to turn a page. 

Backed by authors 

Among those to support Fortitude’s campaign is retired teacher turned author Adrian Townsend.

The 73-year-old father of two published his first book – Gran’s Gang Go to Spain – in 2000, and has since sold more than 300,000 copies of his popular page turners written from his home in Garsington worldwide. 

“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.”

Making a difference 

Sandra Plumb of Plumb Books in Long Crendon, near Thame, Oxfordshire, is another local author to back the campaign. 

She dropped off a selection of animal-themed books for Fortitude’s team to share with ARCh’s volunteers which include 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.” 

Thank you

Greig Box Turnbull, director at 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.” 

PR Agency

Founded in 2017 by former Oxford United managing director and Daily Mirror journalist Greig Box Turnbull, Fortitude specialises in PR, marketing and video production.

Its clients operate across a range of sectors, including corporate, charity, sport, hospitality, healthcare and sustainability. The agency’s services extend to media relations, social media, copy writing, photography, drone and media training. 

As part of the agency’s campaign in support of ARCh’s work, its team will also provide a professional video to showcase the charity’s work and impact it has on local children and their families.

Based in Bicester, ARCh works with volunteers to provide one-to-one reading support to primary school children who struggle with literacy and reading. The charity engaged 910 children in 111 Oxfordshire schools with support from 301 volunteers in 2025.

Get in touch 

If you would like to learn more about what Fortitude does please contact us here.