Freya knew better than most that the playing field is rarely level, and that what people can achieve is often limited by factors outside of their control.

 

She wanted to do something to recognise students at her school who had “had a tough time.” She asked if she could endow a prize to be awarded annually to a student who had faced serious adversity with courage, dignity, and persistence. They did not need to have achieved outstanding exam results or sporting success, but simply to have done their best in difficult circumstances.

 

Freya never found a name for the prize that she wholeheartedly liked. She spent a long time trying to think of an appropriate classical allusion. In the end, unable to find the perfect name, she settled on The Endeavour Prize.

 

On the other hand there was never any doubt in her mind that it would be a book prize.