"Although we have been preparing for this for a long time, it still feels very strange to say that next week will be my last week as a Learn to Love to Read trustee. As you can imagine, it has been a huge decision to step away from something I am so passionate about, something that has been my focus for more than 11 years. But this feels like exactly the right time to make that step, not just for me, with our planned move out of London, but also for Learn to Love to Read. Our amazing charity deserves the chance to flourish without its founder, to move to that next stage in its development. And it is set up perfectly to do that successfully - it could not be in better hands.
"We have a strong trustee board, with a great mix of new energy and longstanding experience. I am especially grateful to Jackie for bringing her wisdom to the role of Chair and to Carolyn for sharing her expertise as our Treasurer.
"And we have an exceptional staff team. You have heard them all speak just now - it is clear how committed they are and how much respect they have for each other. Each and every one of them represents the charity brilliantly with everyone they meet. Taleya and Samreen provide vital support for the team across all areas of our work. Kirsty has brought new energy and boldness to our fundraising. Sally delivers fabulous early literacy classes and takes the complexities of organising those in her stride. Helen provides support to our volunteers and our partner schools with efficiency and warmth. Matilda carries out multiple key roles with patience and precision. And Tara combines her literacy expertise with excellent management and inspiring leadership.
"So, I leave with sadness, but also with total confidence. And huge pride at the work we have accomplished and the difference we are making to children and families in Wandsworth.
"I want to thank everyone who has been part of the Learn to Love to Read story over the past 11 years. Our wonderful volunteers, trustees and staff, past and present. Our partner schools, children’s centres and charities. The amazing children and parents we have worked with. And everyone who has donated or fundraised to allow our work to continue and grow, from 6 volunteers in one school to 70 volunteers and 10 partner schools. And a special thank you to my dear friend Anna Culwick – we were a team of two at the start and none of this could have happened without your support.
"We live in a world where people face many challenges such as poverty, poor physical and mental health, isolation and vulnerability. Research shows that giving a child a love of books and improving their reading skills is the best way to protect them from those challenges later in life. For that reason, I will always be Learn to Love to Read’s greatest supporter and I am hugely excited to see the impact you make over the next decade and beyond. Thank you."
Teresa Harris, 19th June 2025
