Newcastle Hospitals Charity and New York Times No 1 best-selling children’s fantasy author, Anna James and have teamed up to launch the School Sponsored Read programme to support The Great North Children’s Hospital (GNCH).

Running from 1 September to 30 October 2026 our sponsored read is a fun and inspiring way to encourage a love of reading while raising funds The Great North Children’s Hospital Fund.

Primary school pupils, young patients and their siblings are invited to read 6 books (including a free Anna James book courtesy of Anna’s publisher Harper Collins), each of a different genre, over the challenge period and collect sponsorship from family and friends. Every page turned will help to make a difference for the young people and their families at The Great North Children’s Hospital.

Everything you need to get started

We’re here to support you with all you need, including:

Please read our terms and conditions and get in touch if you have any queries.

Interested?

Would your primary school like to take part? If so, register below. Or if you’re a parent, register your child.

Register your school Register your child

About Anna James

Anna, originally from Northumberland but now living in London, is the author of books including the Pages & Co series, the Chronicles of Whetherwhy and Blackwell’s Children’s Book of the Year 2025, Alice With a Why. Her first children’s novel, Read Me Like a Book, will be published in spring 2027. Image of Anna by Whitney DuVall.

More about Anna

Help us make a difference

£5

can support dementia patients with tea sets to help spark connections and conversations.

£50

can provide equipment for a sensory room for children and young people who have autism and learning disabilities.