The long road to a more diverse journalism industry

In the latest of his reflections, Will Gore remembers Thomas Read, who excelled in the profession despite his cerebral palsy, and talks up the importance of making the news media business open to all

Hikes are planned to raise money for the Thomas Read bursary (Getty)

The rolling, arable fields of northwest Essex are not necessarily a place you would envisage as the backdrop for a discussion about the importance of diversity in journalism. But then again, why not? If the topic matters, the setting is rarely relevant.

Last summer a group of us had gathered near Saffron Walden on the hottest day of the year to remember and celebrate one journalist in particular. Thomas Read had been passionate about journalism throughout his school years, going on to write and broadcast for student media at university. After his undergraduate degree, he enrolled at Cardiff University to study for an MA in journalism.

Despite his cerebral palsy, Thomas excelled, impressing bosses at Sky Sports News during a work-experience placement. He subsequently bagged a full-time role there, his talent for sports journalism making him stand out from the crowd.