Today is my turn to be proud. Proud of my mother who has today been officially recognised for the enormous contribution she has made, through Teach Us Too, to educational opportunities for children and young people, who might otherwise not be taught to read and write. And proud of Teach Us Too, the charity I conceived of, which like the vision that started it, has grown so much bigger than one boy’s story to make a difference for many others.

From the beginning of my literacy journey it was a combination of my mother’s determination, time and belief that enabled me to learn how to spell and thus find my voice. And when I said that I wanted to start campaigning for other children who aren’t taught to read and write, she not only got behind me, but also advocated in her own capacity.

And when I wrote my book she ended up writing hers too; without her introduction my story would be incomplete.

It’s taken much persuasion from me and the trustees of Teach Us Too to convince my mother that she should accept this honour; but I can honestly testify that, without her, none of what I have achieved or what Teach Us Too is achieving would be possible.

Last week I was honoured to hear my poem, Song of Voice, performed as a piece of beautiful music composed by Helen Kucharek and sung by Hannah Luddington in the chapel at school. Hannah’s voice is like crystal flowing water; the whole experience was sublime.

I once read that every artist has one piece that flows from their soul without much preparation or planning. On the day I wrote this poem my speech and language therapist had come and the room crackled with expectation. This has become my signature poem. Helen told me that composing this music was a similar experience.

Listen and enjoy!