Youngsters tackle the tomes in novel charity fundraiser

YOUNGSTERS Aoife McKenna and Danielle Winckworth sat spellbound yesterday as author and storyteller Larry O’Loughlin spun his web of magic.

Both girls, whose parents have been telling them stories since their earliest days, are teaming up with an estimated 30,000 children aged from six to 15 throughout the country. Their mission is to read almost half a million books in a month as part of the 2002 MS Readathon. Since this initiative was launched 15 years ago, children have read more than three million books - and raised over €5m for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

MS societies all over the world have been using this novel idea to promote children’s reading and raise money since an American teacher with MS dreamed up the idea in 1974.

“In Ireland last year we raised €820,000, with the reading being done by 28,000 children who collectively read almost half a million books,” said Mary Richardson of the MS Society.

The event coincides with Children’s Book Festival, which takes place at libraries and other venues from October 15 to 31. Mr O’Loughlin spends at least one day a week in school classrooms conducting poetry readings and creative writing workshops. Most Irish writers are attached to Poetry Ireland’s writers.

“It gives us an opportunity to mingle with the kids - and for me it’s just great fun,” he said.

Info: www.ms.society.ie or 1850233233.