Gosport reverend completes challenge to read 100 books in as many days

The Rev Sean Blackman, from Gosport, took up the challenge to inspire both adults and children to read – and to raise money to buy books for Gosport schools.

The 54-year-old read classics such as Pride and Prejudice and Black Beauty, as well as children’s books and the entire Lord Of The Rings trilogy.

Sean has previously read 30 books in 30 days but went a step further this time around.

He said: ‘I wouldn’t have done the challenge for my own benefit.

‘What I am part of is more important than the part I played. After I completed it, I was left both exhausted and thrilled.

‘There were times when I was getting up a 3am and 4am to read.

‘I spent two to three hours a day reading, which is how long a professional marathon runner takes in their races.’

Throughout his challenge, Sean dressed up as characters such as Aslan from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, the Very Hungry Caterpillar and the Gruffalo to help his message get across.

Along his challenge, he said that children and adults both took up a keen interest in reading.

Sean added: ‘It was amazing to see so many children excited about reading.

‘It is not just about enjoying the book. It is also about remembering and reacting to the words.’

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage commended Sean’s achievement and said she did not know how he did it.

Ms Dinenage said: ‘It was an incredible challenge he took on and he is such an inspiring man.

‘Reading is so important and we cannot take it for granted.’

To help Sean’s cause of funding books for Gosport schools, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/100Book