NCTJ fundraising quiz night raises £4,000 for Thomas Read bursary

The NCTJ hosted a special fundraising quiz night raising £4,000 for the Thomas Read bursary, which supports aspiring journalists with disabilities through their NCTJ training.

The Thomas Read bursary was established in 2015 in memory of Sky Sports News journalist Thomas Read, who had cerebral palsy and overcame challenges to build a successful career. Thomas died unexpectedly aged 25, having achieved a great deal in a short time. The bursary was set up by his family with the support of Sky and the NCTJ to ensure his legacy lives on.

The evening brought together supporters from across the country as well as locals to the NCTJ’s offices in Essex to fundraise and celebrate Thomas’s legacy. The quiz was hosted by Thomas’s brother Jamie Read and attendees enjoyed a hot meal courtesy of his father Kevin Read. A raffle, with generous donated prizes, was drawn by Thomas’ mother Carolyn Read.

The bursary is awarded annually to an applicant who has been awarded funding from the Journalism Diversity Fund and has a long-term illness, health problem or disability. In addition to funding from the Thomas Read Foundation, recipients also complete a work placement at Sky Sports News.

This year marks ten years of the bursary, which has changed the lives of those who have benefitted from it. The Read family announced earlier this year their goal to raise a total of £100,000 across the lifetime of the bursary in 2026.

NCTJ chief executive Joanne Forbes said: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who supported this special evening. The Thomas Read bursary has supported many aspiring journalists over the past ten years, and none of this would be possible without the unwavering commitment of the Read family. We’re proud to support them in ensuring Thomas’s legacy continues to open doors for journalists with disabilities.”

Carolyn Read said: “It’s been such a special night celebrating ten years of the bursary. We’re incredibly grateful to the NCTJ, Sky, and everyone who came together to fundraise. We’re really proud of all our recipients’ achievements, and with everyone’s continued support, we’re determined to reach our goal.”

Andy Cairns, former executive editor at Sky Sports News, said: “Thomas made a huge impact at Sky Sports News, he was hardworking, a great team player, and never let his disability define him. The team at the NCTJ are incredible, and this bursary ensures journalism represents people from all walks of life across the country. It’s been a fantastic night, and hopefully next year we can come together again and raise even more.”

The NCTJ thanks the following businesses for their generous donations of raffle prizes: Alphabet Bags, Axe & Compasses Arkesden, Cambridge Rugby Club, Chelmsford City Racecourse, Cineworld Cinemas, COOK, Country Hotel Breaks, English Heritage, Experience Days, Fitness Focus Clavering, Kitty Yoga, Man City Football Club, Newmarket Racecourse, Old English Gentleman Saffron Walden, Paintball, PAUS, Premier League, Scudamore’s Punting, Sky Sports, Talents Saffron Walden, The Black Bull Balsham, The Chestnut Tree West Wratting, and The Coach and Horses Newport.

Those wishing to support the Thomas Read bursary can make a donation here https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/thomas-read-bursary-10-year-anniversary.