To support a cause close to both of their hearts, children’s author Rachel Delahaye visited Redmaids’ High Junior School to raise funds to help Australian wildlife.

Instead of receiving a fee, Bath-based Rachel asked the Junior School to donate to WIRES, a Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service based in New South Wales, Australia, which is working to help the estimated one billion animals affected by catastrophic fires, droughts and record high temperatures.  

In an energetic and engaging presentation, which completely captivated the girls, Rachel touched upon the situation in Australia. She then focused on the importance of stories.

“Stories are what make us human,” she explained. “We use them to share our history and experiences, and to teach us important moral lessons. Most of all, however, we tell them because they make life fun and interesting.”

She read an extract from her book, Jim Reaper, which had the girls in stitches, before launching the 500-word, short story-writing competition run by BBC Radio 2, which many of the girls will enter.

“Use your imagination and read plenty of books yourselves,” she advised, before giving them lots of tips and techniques on how to develop interesting story-lines.

Mrs Brown, Headteacher at Redmaids’ High Junior School said, “The girls have had a wonderful time today, which started with each of them having their faces painted, and we really appreciate Rachel giving so generously of her time.

“Rachel has inspired the girls to get writing and, together, we have raised £175 for a really important cause.”