An eight year-old schoolboy from Bolton has received a congratulatory letter from the Duchess of Cornwall after completing an impressive reading challenge during the recent COVID-19 lockdown.
Milan Kumar, a pupil at Bolton School’s Junior Boys School, read an astonishing 50 books in just three months after setting himself a challenge which he had initially hoped to complete inside a year.
Consequently, he received a letter of recognition from Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, who is a patron of the Royal Society of Literature, for his magnificent feat.
Milan said: “I want to make a difference to the lives of all children who have not been attending school during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This week I have been asked to be involved in a Bolton Central Library Reading Challenge through The Reading Agency, who work towards a world where everyone is reading their way to a better life.
“1 in 5 children in England cannot read and reading promotes health and wellbeing. I want to do more and make this bigger and better.”
Sharon Brittan, Chairman of Bolton Wanderers Football Club, said: “What an inspirational young man Milan is! When I first heard about his reading challenge I was amazed, but Milan also has a drive and determination to improve literacy among his peers which is quite astounding for somebody of his age.
“He really is a superstar and recognises that reading makes a difference to the lives of everybody.
“We will be linking Milan with our Community Trust, who run several literacy initiatives for children and adults within the town. One of which is the Premier League Reading Stars programme, which naturally aligns with our One Club, One Community, One Town vision.
“I have also told Milan’s story to a friend of mine, Katherine Birbalsingh, who is the founder and headteacher of the Michaela Community School in North London and where I am the vice-chair of Governors. Katherine was just as impressed as I was and she will be speaking about Milan in assembly.
“Milan and his family will be invited to a game at the University of Bolton Stadium when it is safe for people to attend, and I cannot wait to meet him.”
Everybody at Bolton Wanderers Football Club wishes Milan every success with his challenges and we look forward to meeting him and his family.