Clare shares how she was inspired to take a virtual walk to Buckingham Palace for BookTrust
Published on: 30 August 2021
Clare's love of reading (and the Royal Family!) led her to complete an amazing challenge in aid of BookTrust.
Clare and her medal
In March 2021, Clare was asked to shield again due to having Down Syndrome and being on the Clinically Extremely Vulnerable list. This meant she was unable to go back to work.
"I needed something to help motivate me to keep moving, exercising and smiling."
Clare loves reading and the Royal family.
"Anyone who has met Clare will know just how much she loves the Royal family," her sister says.
Clare’s sister came up with the idea of challenging Clare to 'virtually' walk to Buckingham Palace. Clare went on the Royal family patronage website and saw that Duchess of Cornwall was a patron for BookTrust.
Clare explains "books are so important because reading expands my world and so I was really happy to support them further."
To complete the challenge, Clare went on lots of walks around her local area of West Bridgford.
"Each evening, I would send my family a screenshot of how many steps I had completed that day. My Dad did the geography of the walk and where I was heading to by 'mapping my route' out in different ways and letting me know where I had 'reached' that day.
"The challenge really helped me because as I was shielding, I couldn’t go to work. And It was a good motivator to keep me active when I may have stopped doing any exercise. It really helped my mental health and took me out of the world of coronavirus."
It is reading that has helped Clare cope with lockdown.
"I have been reading a lot more books since lockdown happened as I like to curl up with a nice book while listening to my music at the same time."
When asked why she thinks books and reading can help children and families who have found the past year challenging, Clare says "Reading books to children makes a huge difference as reading would make the child feel loved and safe. It can also help them to escape from what is happening in the world right now."
Asked what her favourite type of book is, Clare reveals: "Biographies and autobiographies on different people, but mostly on the Royal Family.
"I strongly believe that the Duchess has a good taste to be a patron of a brilliant charity that encourages everyone to read books. I was really proud to get a letter from her after I wrote to tell her what I was doing."
Well done Clare!
Looking to take on an incredible challenge this year?
Whether it's walking, running, cycling, swimming, or even skydiving, there are loads of fun ways to show your support for BookTrust - and we'll be with you every step of the way.
Topics: News
