Lily, 9, designs first mascot for dyslexia centre

It was the brainchild of nine-year-old Lily Hurrell, whose design was chosen as the winner of the centre’s mascot competition.

This was open to all primary school children who are supported by the centre.

Each entrant had to explain how their mascot could help dyslexic children.

For Lily, a bookworm was the obvious choice.

‘I thought about being in a library and looking through books and how a bookworm might be found there too and how it could help children who struggle with reading,’ she said.

Tied for second place were two other nine-year-olds – Noah Bartlett, who designed Hooty the owl, and Amelia Bourgaize, who came up with Sam the Spelling Bee.

‘Owls are really smart and wise and, just like lots of dyslexic people, he has a lot of knowledge about all kinds of subject,’ Noah said.

About Sam the Spelling Bee, Amelia said: ‘He is a kind bee who helps with reading and spelling. He also tries hard and never gives up.’

The three primary school students were celebrated for their efforts at a prize-giving at the centre with its patron, Lady Corder, wife of Lt-Governor Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder.

Chairman Mike O’Hara said that in his eyes they were all winners.

Judges Karen Winter and Jane Pearson were also there and said how impressed they were with all the entries.

Ms Winter and the U3A fabric craft members brought Lily’s idea to life with a large Dissy the Dyslexic Bookworm mascot.

Mr O’Hara said it was a great way to engage the students.

‘Every two years we’re going to hold another mascot design competition and keep refreshing it,’ he said.

‘It will give the centre something to be recognised by and will play a part in our fundraising efforts, too.’

It is hoped that the bookworm mascot will serve as inspiration for dyslexic islanders to seek help with their reading and writing.