Debi, a passionate reader and a huge supporter of the arts. 

'I worked as a bookseller in Waterstones for several years, and thoroughly enjoyed putting books in the hands of as many readers as possible! I have planned events and run book clubs, promoted new books and written a lot of reviews. However, during my time I realised that there were many readers – or would-be readers – who didn’t have access to the books in our bookshop. They couldn’t afford it, or the books weren’t in a language they understood, or they didn’t feel that they belonged in our space. The more I saw this, the more determined I became to find a way to get books – the right books – into their hands too. I planned and researched and networked until my emailing fingertips were sore, and eventually felt ready to embark on this new, thrilling and above all worthwhile journey!

I hold an MA in English Lit and a BA in English Lit and Creative Writing, both earned as a mature student with the Open University. I strongly believe that there are many routes through education, both formal and informal, and that this same philosophy applies to literacy and life skills. I home educated my three children, all of whom have now grown into fiercely independent adults who display compassion, empathy and critical thinking in all aspects of their lives - and it was the most fun I've ever had!'