CREDITON Community Bookshop “The Bookery” is spearheading a campaign to get a copy of a book by Marcus Rashford MBE into the hands of as many young people in our local area as possible.

The bookshop describes the book “You Are A Champion” as “inspiring, positive and practical”.

It has launched a Crowdfunding campaign and says that each donation of £5 will get a book into the hand of a young person who needs it through the bookshop’s links with local schools. 

It adds that every donation will be put into a prize draw for a signed, book-plated copy of “You Are A Champion” and a life size standee of Marcus.

The Bookery’s mission is to create an environment for enterprising, resilient and creative communities inspired by books and stories, to empower and educate by enabling access to books and cultural opportunities regardless of income or other barriers.

Marcus Rashford MBE is famous worldwide for his skills both on and off the pitch – but before he was an international footballer and long before he started his inspiring campaign to end child food poverty, he was just an average kid from South Manchester.

Marcus’ book, “You Are A Champion” is a positive and inspiring guide for life, and shows young people how to be the best they can be. The past 18 months have raised huge challenges and children in poverty have been among the worst affected. More than a third of all children are living in poverty in some parts of Devon.

Government figures have revealed that a massive 37,485 children in Devon live below the breadline.

Some 27,337 of those children were living in poverty despite one or more of their parents working - 73 per cent of the total.

The overall number means that around one in every seven children in Devon is living in poverty (15 per cent) - although that figure is higher in some areas than others.

Andrew Davey, from “The Bookery” said: “Please help us get this positive, inspiring guide into the hands of as many young people as possible.”

Some businesses and organisations are already backing the appeal.

Andrew added: “We were keen to initiate a campaign for this book partly due to its inspirational message, and also in the light of reactions to the recent England game, to promote awareness of inclusion and diversity.?“We’re excited about this project and a few organisations such as the Amber Foundation (who provide home and hope to young people facing homelessness) have expressed their interest in receiving copies. We’re also in contact with the publisher, Macmillan Children’s Books, and Devon County Council who are keen to contribute to make this campaign a success.”?If you can help the fundraiser with a donation, please visit the Crediton High Street shop or online via: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/marcus-rashfords-you-are-a-champion-for-schools-thebookery?fbclid=IwAR1cLqrHMvjag9D3rV0j2cbthFI9E2sRQcqR9ps7YrR6vjan-9lL7pIWStc .