Ten years of the Thomas Read bursary celebrated at Sky Sports News
The tenth anniversary of the Thomas Read bursary was celebrated this week with a tea party hosted by Sky Sports News, held on what would have been Thomas’s 36th birthday.
The event was attended by friends, family and supporters of the bursary, colleagues from Sky and the NCTJ, and recipients who have benefitted from the scheme over the past decade.
The 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 in sports journalism.
Thomas died unexpectedly in 2015, and the bursary was set up by his family with the support of Sky and the NCTJ to ensure his legacy lives on. It provides funding and support for aspiring journalists with disabilities as part of the Journalism Diversity Fund, which is marking its 20th anniversary this year.
Speaking at the event, NCTJ chief executive Joanne Forbes reflected on the impact of the bursary over the past ten years. She said: “Thomas, with cerebral palsy, overcame the challenges and the barriers, to train and build a successful career in sports journalism. He was an inspirational figure, admired not only for his talent but for his positive determination, warmth and professionalism.
“Thanks to the unrelenting activity and generosity of the Read family, the backing of Sky, and the determination of so many who cared about Thomas, the bursary has flourished. The successes of those who have been supported are a true reflection of Thomas – an extremely talented group who have never let disability or hardship stand in their way.”
Joanne also thanked Sky for their “unwavering support”, noting that “too often, initiatives like this falter when people move on, but not here”, and praised the Read family for their “kindness, resilience and dedication”.
The celebration featured a keynote speech from Paralympian Olivia Breen, who also has cerebral palsy and shared how sport has shaped her life and career.
Thomas’s brother Jamie delivered a heartfelt speech and presented Joanne with a special award in recognition of her support for the bursary since its inception. He also announced the family’s goal to raise a total of £100,000 for the bursary by next year.
The NCTJ team are continuing their fundraising efforts and are planning a special quiz night this autumn in support of the bursary.
Donations can be made to support the future of the bursary here.
