Mar 1, 2010
Thursday February 26^th, the pupils of St. Peters National School Dunboyne got a terrific treat today when bestselling author Sarah Webb dropped by to read a story written by a former St Peter’s schoolmate, 12 year old Jessica Smith.

Jessica beat off over 3000 entrants to win the inaugural Londis “Write Up My Street” competition and in doing so secured a €5000 library donation for her school. In total 30 stories were selected for publication in the “Write up my Street” book which went on sale in Londis stores last September.  The book raised a total of €30,000 for Barnardos Children’s Charity. 

Commenting at the reading Ruth Norton, ADM Londis said: “We were thrilled by the response to “Write Up My Street”, and are delighted to be able to present Barnardos with this cheque for €30,000 which will help them continue their incredible work through the Barnardos After Schools Programme. We would also like to thank the staff and pupils of St. Peter’s and indeed schools all around the country for the wonderful enthusiasm they have shown towards “Write Up My Street” and look forward to beginning a new search for budding authors later this year.” 

Orla Tighe, Barnardos said: “Barnardos work is about transforming childrens’ lives to give them the opportunities they deserve.  The amazing support from Londis has meant that we can continue to make these differences to the lives of children and families around the country.  The Write up my Street initiative was a fantastic way to engage pupils in schools around Ireland so that they too can do their part in helping to change a child’s future.  We are very grateful to Londis and delighted that the funds raised will go towards our After Schools Programmes around Ireland”.  

For further press information or to arrange an interview please contact Darragh Rea in MC2 on 086 8981062 or 01 4980300 or email drea@mcsquared.ie