Tony Walsh

Tony, also known as Longfella, is one of the UK’s most recognised poets. A passionate educator, Tony cheered on secondary schools running the first-ever citywide Manchester Readathon.

He said: “Books and libraries are a gateways to a brighter future for our children and it’s vital that we ensure that the benefits they deliver – literacy, empathy, knowledge, creativity and many more – are available to all, regardless of their circumstances. Through my own work in schools, plus visiting Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital with Read for Good, I’ve been privileged to see the great benefits that Readathon delivers and I’d encourage everyone to take part and support this fun and
important project in any way that you can.”