Jessica Thurtell started her career in the BBC, working with their European Services, then BBC Radio 4’s consumer programme “You & Yours”, before moving to BBC Radio London with her own classical music show. Starting with her own children, she discovered a delight in reading to children and helping them to read for themselves. She went on to become a teacher, working with dyslexic children. She was also a founder volunteer with the local Talking Newspaper for blind people and became a Trustee of the national Talking News Federation. Now retired, she volunteers with the Dorking Community Fridge and enjoys dogwalking, gardening, attending history classes and running training sessions.