McNab wins inaugural Ruth Rendell Award for promoting literacy

Andy McNab has won the inaugural Ruth Rendell Award for the author who has done the most to champion literacy.

McNab's son Simon accepted the award on behalf of the bestselling author and former soldier at the All Party Parliamentary Writers Group Winter Reception held this evening (6th December).

The award was launched in memory of the novelist Ruth Rendell by the National Literacy Trust and the Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society, to celebrate writers helping to raise literacy levels in the UK.

McNab last October embarked on a trek to the South Pole in aid of The Reading Agency’s #ReadingJourney appeal and has been open about overcoming illiteracy himself as a teenager. He in the past has called himself "a textbook example of how reading can change your life", with the message "if I can do it, anyone can".

He travelled the length and breadth of the UK, visiting factories, colleges, schools, prisons and libraries to encourage reluctant readers to take up the challenge of reading, and has also contributed four Quick Read novels, 250,000 copies of which have been printed, to raise awareness of literacy issues.  

"I’m delighted and very proud to be receiving this award," Andy McNab said in a statement. "The literacy work I do is deeply personal. Had it not been for the education I received from the army as a 17-year-old, when I had the literacy of a nine-year-old, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Receiving this award gives me even more incentive to get out there and make sure that as many people as possible are helped to achieve, and change their lives for the better.”

Baroness Gail Rebuck, who nominated McNab for the Ruth Rendell Award, praised him as an inspiration. She said: “Andy’s honesty and down to earth approach has given so many people of all ages and from all backgrounds the confidence and inspiration to give reading a chance. My nomination is supported by a host of organisations and individuals, from schools, libraries and charities to bookshops and prisons, all of whom have experienced the life-changing benefits of his campaigning work.”

Jonathan Douglas, director of the National Literacy Trust, added: "We’re very proud to be giving the first Ruth Rendell Award to Andy McNab, who is an incredibly worthy winner. He has campaigned tirelessly for the importance of literacy, and has inspired, enthused and encouraged thousands of children and adults to get reading. He has given many the tools to turn their lives around."

Barbara Hayes, deputy chief executive of ALCS, added: “Ruth was for many years an officer of the All Party Parliamentary Writers Group, and a great advocate for writers and literacy, and we’re absolutely thrilled to be involved in this fitting tribute to her”.

 

Breaking News!!! The Ruth Rendell Award

Copyright Jerry Bauer

A new annual award is launched today by the National Literacy Trust and the Authors' Licensing and Collecting Society in memory of bestselling novelist Ruth Rendell. The Ruth Rendell Award will be presented to the author or writer who has done the most to raise literacy levels in the UK either through their writing and books or through their advocacy and championing of the cause of literacy.

Ruth Rendell was a long-time supporter of the National Literacy Trust since the Charity's launch 21 years ago and the award is launched today on what would have been her birthday. The award is sponsored by the Authors' Licensing and Collecting Society.

Nominations for authors or writers who have had a significant influence on the literacy cause in the past year are being sought from schools, charities, libraries, booksellers and individuals. The closing date for entries is 31 May.

The judging panel is chaired by Jonathan Douglas, Director of the National Literacy Trust. It comprises writer Jonathan Fryer, an ALCS board member, Sue Wilkinson, Chief Executive of the Reading Agency and Ginny Lunn, Chief Executive of Beanstalk. The Reading Agency and Beanstalk are both members of the National Literacy Forum, convened by the National Literacy Trust, which includes representatives from Government, business, local authorities and the voluntary and community sector.

The Ruth Rendell Award will be presented by Ruth's son, Simon Rendell, at a ceremony at the House of Commons in December 2016 as part of the All Party Parliamentary Writers Group annual reception.

Ruth Rendell, who died last year aged 85, was a bestselling author known for writing thrillers and psychological murder mysteries including the Inspector Wexford series. She also wrote under the pen name Barbara Vine and won a number of awards for her books in a career which spanned six decades.

National Literacy Trust Director Jonathan Douglas said: "This brand new award celebrating the commitment of authors to the literacy cause is a wonderful tribute to Ruth Rendell, who was a much-loved author and a powerful advocate for literacy."

Simon Rendell said: "Ruth would be delighted with the idea of an award for literacy, reading was a huge part of her life both professionally and privately. I look forward to presenting the award to a worthy winner next December."

Barbara Hayes, Deputy Chief Executive of ALCS said: "We're thrilled to be supporting such a fitting tribute to Ruth Rendell. Ruth herself was such a champion of literacy and this award will serve to highlight the fantastic work being done by other authors in this area."

For more information, visit: www.literacytrust.org.uk/ruthrendellaward