IMAGINE what your life would be like if you were denied the right to read? For my wife Judy and me, it would be simply intolerable. Unfortunately, it's a reality for the estimated 186,000 people living with sight loss in the South West who face a considerably limited choice of titles in formats they can access (there are almost two million people living with sight loss in the whole of the UK).

My wife Judy, who is a fellow book lover, has undergone four eye operations due a detached retina. Although this has affected her sight, thankfully she's still able to read the books she loves.

Currently, only 7% of all books are fully accessible to blind and partially sighted people and that's why we're supporting this year's Read for RNIB Day on Friday, October 11.

Royal National of Blind People (RNIB) wants to change the story for people with sight loss by making many more books accessible.

It costs more than £4,000 to make one title in Braille, audio and giant print. So, join us to celebrate the joy of reading and whether it's a Mad Hatter's Tea Party, book sale or sponsored reading relay, every penny you raise will fund RNIB's vital reading services.

To find out more, simply call 0845 345 0054 or visit http://www.readforrnib.org.uk">www.readforrnib.org.uk

Richard Madeley

RNIB supporter