Schoolreaders volunteer Gary Hazlehurst, 66, from Walsall, attended the ‘Big Lunch: Sharing Stories’ event for the National Year of Reading 2026 in recognition of his dedication to helping primary school children develop a love of reading. The event was held at the British Library during Volunteers Week (1-7 June).
Schoolreaders CEO Sally Wrampling met with Queen Camilla, who praised the work of the charity in improving children’s literacy and life-chances. Volunteer Gary had the chance with enjoy tea with Her Majesty and meet much beloved Paddington Bear in the Volunteer’s Week celebration event.
Gary has volunteered with Schoolreaders for the past three years, supporting children through one-to-one reading sessions three mornings each week. During each session, he works closely with pupils identified by teachers as benefiting from extra reading support.
A lifelong reader, Gary said he was inspired to volunteer because he wanted to share both reading skills and a genuine enjoyment of books with children.
“Reading is a passion of mine,” he said. “My own children and grandchildren grew up surrounded by books and people who read. Many children don’t always have those same opportunities, so I wanted to help however I could.”
Gary believes regular one-to-one reading support can have a transformative impact, particularly for children with limited reading support at home or where English is not their first language.
“To see a child go from being a reluctant reader to someone excited about choosing books from the library is a real joy,” he said. “You also see their confidence grow socially, not just academically.”
Through his volunteering, Gary has seen children improve their vocabulary, language skills and comprehension, with some progressing to discussing primary adaptations of Shakespeare with enthusiasm.
“Each child has a story to tell,” he said.
Teachers and pupils at Croft Academy have praised Gary’s support and enthusiasm for reading.
One pupil said: “We love reading with Mr Hazlehurst, he has so much knowledge of books.”
Another added: “I wish Mr Hazlehurst could still read with us. I really loved reading with him in Year 3 and Year 4.”
Gary hopes the work of Schoolreaders will inspire more children and families to make reading part of everyday life and help young people build the confidence and skills needed for their future opportunities.
His invitation to the National Year of Reading 2026 Volunteers’ Week event highlighted the life-changing role Schoolreaders volunteers play in helping children discover the joy of reading.
