27/10/2025
An absolute privilege to be involved, alongside Emma Gundry, in Cheltenham Festivals VOICEBOX: Write Now, Beyond the Margins panel discussion 💙
It was an honour to listen to Charlotte and her mum, Helen, share their journey, the emotions, the challenges, and the incredible strength it takes to rebuild and grow.
Charlotte, one of my students, showed such courage and honesty as she stood on stage and read her own poem. Moments like that remind us all of the power of giving young people a voice.
It was also great to listen to and hear about all the incredible work he is doing, and to hear from the students from Altus who spoke so brilliantly. Emma, you have done a fab job and are doing so much for the county, it’s truly inspiring to see.
A big thank you to Sarah Cooksley for inviting me to be part of such a special event, and a massive thank you to Cheltenham Literature Festival and VOICEBOX for creating a platform that celebrates honesty, creativity, and emotional wellbeing.
The discussion was a beautiful reminder of why connection and understanding matter so much, and how patience, compassion, and belief can truly change lives.
I’m proud to have stood alongside Emma and everyone involved today, sharing real stories, real emotions, and a shared belief that change is always possible. 💙
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