ITN Presenter calls in public to swap books for Bowel Cancer UK

Charlene named Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings as her favourite book and one she'd swap to help raise funds for the charity.

Charlene, from Blackheath, South London, said: "I was first introduced to her books by my mum in my early teens. I think it was her way to teach me about the realities of being a black woman in a modern world. All the books in the collection have taught me a lot about strength, resilience, perseverance, and love. And 20 years later, I still refer back to them every now and then".

She joins a host of famous faces who are urging the nation to get involved in the Big Book Swap including X Factor host Dermot O'Leary, comedian Frank Skinner, folk singer Frank Turner and actress Jane Asher.

Hosting a book swap is easy. Having one at home is the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends or why not get together with work colleagues to share your favourite books? Get everyone to make a donation and then pass on the proceeds to Bowel Cancer UK.

Lucky members of the public also have the opportunity to win books signed by Frank Skinner, Jane Asher and Frank Turner on www.ebay.co.uk from 24^th - 31^st October by placing a minimum bid of £5.

Deborah Alsina, Chief Executive, explained: "Many of the patients and families we have helped have shared how certain books have changed their lives. They have drawn strength from them and reading has helped them to stay positive during their treatment. So get hold of your favourite book, organise a Big Book Swap in October and raise funds for Bowel Cancer UK at the same time!"

If like Charlene White you'd like to support Bowel Cancer UK and hold a Big Book Swap, go to www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk for a fundraising pack or call 020 7386 4006.