Bestselling author and former doctor Adam Kay joined The Christie Institute Library and Knowledge Services Team to celebrate the benefits of reading, as 1,800 books were gifted to patients, visitors and staff as part of the Take 10 to Read campaign in collaboration with Read Manchester and The National Literacy Trust.
Celebrating the power of reading at The Christie
Patients, visitors and staff at The Christie were encouraged to discover the benefits of reading as 1,800 free books were gifted across the hospital on Thursday 8 October 2026, as part of the annual Take 10 to Read campaign.
Organised by The Christie Institute for Cancer Education's Library and Knowledge Service in partnership with Read Manchester, the National Literacy Trust and Manchester City Council Libraries, the event aimed to highlight the positive impact reading can have on mental wellbeing.
This year's event welcomed a special guest, bestselling author, former doctor and National Year of Reading Ambassador Adam Kay, who joined the celebrations to help distribute books, meet hospital staff and spend time with young patients receiving cancer treatment.
A special visit from Adam Kay
During his visit, Adam met with hospital staff and junior doctors, sharing his experiences and encouraging healthcare professionals to make time for reading.
He also visited The Christie's proton beam therapy centre, where he led a 10-minute reading session with young patients, sharing his latest children's book, Kay's Gruesome Games.
Reflecting on the importance of reading, Adam said: "Spending time in hospital can obviously be extremely tough for patients and their families alike, and anything that can be done to improve their days, weeks and even months there is crucially important.
"Reading has always been my favourite way to escape to other worlds – books can be magic carpets, time machines, spaceships, even old wardrobes, just waiting to transport you away."
Adam also joined the Library and Read Manchester teams in distributing books to patients, families and staff, encouraging people to discover new authors, explore different interests and enjoy reading for pleasure.
Supporting mental wellbeing through reading
The event took place ahead of World Mental Health Day on 10 October and formed part of the National Year of Reading 2026, a nationwide initiative encouraging people of all ages to rediscover the joy of reading.
The Take 10 to Read campaign encourages everyone to spend just 10 minutes reading each day, highlighting how this simple activity can support relaxation, wellbeing and connection.
Research from the National Literacy Trust has found that children and young people who enjoy reading, read daily and feel confident in their reading report higher levels of wellbeing than those who are less engaged with reading.
Reading for pleasure can also provide a welcome opportunity to relax and escape the pressures of everyday life, something particularly meaningful for people spending time in hospital and those working in demanding healthcare environments.
Jill Connolly, Senior Project Manager at the National Literacy Trust, said:
"We are calling on everyone in Manchester to take 10 minutes to read and discover how it can help you relax, boost your mood and connect with others. It doesn't have to be a book, it could be a comic, match report, magazine article or an audiobook – whatever interests you."
4 years of supporting reading and wellbeing
This year marks the fourth annual book giveaway delivered by The Christie Institute for Cancer Education's Library and Knowledge Service in collaboration with Read Manchester.
The initiative reflects the Library team's wider commitment to supporting health literacy, learning and wellbeing across The Christie.
Dan Livesey, Library and Knowledge Service Manager at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, said: "At The Christie Library and Knowledge Service, we recognise the important role that reading can play in supporting health literacy, wellbeing and recovery. We are proud to host the book giveaway for the fourth time, working in partnership with Manchester City Council Libraries, Read Manchester and the National Literacy Trust.
"Sharing books directly with patients is a genuine privilege and one that is greatly appreciated by the patients, their families and staff alike. We are particularly pleased to welcome Adam Kay to The Christie as an ambassador for the National Year of Reading and as someone who understands the importance of mental wellbeing, specifically in the NHS workforce."
Of the 1,800 books gifted, 1,500 were distributed at The Christie's main hospital site, with a further 300 provided for its radiotherapy centres, helping the campaign reach patients and staff beyond the main hospital.
Take 10 minutes to read
The Take 10 to Read campaign is part of Read Manchester's wider work to improve literacy and encourage reading for enjoyment across the city.
As part of the National Year of Reading 2026, the campaign encourages everyone to explore their interests through reading, with a simple message: find out more about the Take 10 to Read campaign at Read Manchester.