Professor Noel Fitzpatrick, also known as TV's The Supervet, is teaming up with a Gloucestershire charity to distribute free books to children's hospitals.
Humanimal Trust, which was founded by Noel, is working with Read for Good to distribute copies of We Are All Animals to 30 children's hospitals across the UK, as well as additional educational and medical settings, thanks to a network of corporate partners.
Written by authors Christopher Lloyd and Ben Hoare, the book features real-life stories that explore the deep connections between humans and animals, accompanied by vibrant illustrations by Mark Ruffle – with the book aligning closely with Humanimal Trust's mission to promote collaboration between human and veterinary medicine.
Fundraising and partnerships manager at Humanimal Trust, Sarah Colbourne, said: 'Humanimal Trust exists to unite human and veterinary medicine through One Medicine, so advances in healthcare can benefit both people and animals. By engaging young people in the shared characteristics of the animal kingdom, we hope to inspire future doctors, vets and researchers to work together for the benefit of all.
'This initiative reflects the growing desire among businesses to make a meaningful, long-term contribution to society. By sponsoring these books, our corporate partners are investing in education, empathy and wellbeing, while helping to shape a healthier future for generations to come. We are proud to work alongside Read for Good to deliver impact where it is needed most.'
Read for Good supplies brand-new books and visiting storyteller sessions to the UK's main children's hospitals, as well as a specially designed mobile bookcase which delivers books directly to the bedside for children unable to leave their beds.
Tash Hyde, publisher and book sector lead at Read for Good, added: 'We are delighted to partner with Humanimal Trust on this initiative. Access to brand-new books can have a profound impact on children in hospital, offering comfort, distraction and moments of joy at a time when wellbeing is particularly important.'
