Did you know that globally an estimated one billion people have a disability, of which 800 million live in developing countries. Sadly, in these countries disability is both a cause and consequence of poverty and people often face significant barriers that prevent them from participating fully in society, including getting a quality education and employment.

This week I am honoured to be an ambassador for the Department for International Development, calling for all people with disabilities have equal access to education.  A world where disabled people are valued members of society. A world where people with disabilities are not underestimated. A world where all children are taught to read and write regardless of their label.

Watch the film they made of me here:

Find out about my charity, Teach Us Too here, and my book is available here

Awesome to be invited onto Radio 2 this morning, huge thanks to Chris Evans for having me and for mentioning my book. Grooving away to tunes by Rick Astley, and listening to the banter between James Nesbitt, Gemma Arterton and Laura Whitmore was great fun.

Listen here at 2:40:50

Sometimes attempts to describe events can’t do them justice. The launch of Eye Can Write and Teach Us Too was one such evening – enjoyable, unforgettable, magical, fun.  Surrounded by my family, friends and supporters my book was loved into existence and set free to the public.

When I wanted to launch my book with a prayer I had no idea the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby would be able to come! It was a huge honour to welcome him and hear his prayer, and I am very grateful he squeezed me into his busy schedule.  But he wasn’t my only special guest. Before the event began I witnessed the bizarre scenario of my mother introducing Archbishop Justin to Sir Michael Morpurgo.

Sir Michael’s reading of an extract of my book was captivating, the room stilled as he brought my words to life. Bantering with him during questions and answers was a lot of fun.  My beautiful sister, Susannah, read my speech and poem with a poise beyond her nine years, and stunned the room in the process. Thursday was not just about my book and Sarah did a wonderful introduction to all that we stand for in Teach Us Too.

My book is available on Amazon and in all good book stores

You can find out more about my charity here: www.teachustoo.org.uk

Below are some clips from the launch evening.

12th July; this date has been highlighted on the calendar since January, before I handed in the first manuscript.  And now it is here – D-day for my book, Eye Can Write.                               

At the weekend an extract from the book was featured in the Mail on Sunday, and on Monday there was an article about me and my book in the Daily Express.

Today you can see me on ITV’s This Morning (broadcast from 10.30-12.30) chatting to Holly and Phil about my book and the launch of my charity Teach Us Too, which is very exciting.  Now off to Channel 5 news.

This evening my book and charity are launched at Waterstones Piccadilly. I am honoured to be joined by Archbishop Justin, who will say a prayer and Sir Michael Morpurgo who will read an extract from my book.  If you didn’t manage to get a ticket before they sold out, we are hoping to record the event.

I hope you enjoy reading my book!