News

Mel C and Ian McKellen Doodle for Epilepsy Action

Mel C and Sir Ian McKellen are among the famous faces picking up pens for National Doodle Day 2026. The annual fundraiser, now in its 22nd year, is organised by the charity Epilepsy Action and brings together people from music, film and television to create one-off artworks that go under the hammer online.

Money raised will support services for the roughly 630,000 people in the UK who live with epilepsy. This year's line-up also includes Eurovision performer and songwriter TEYA, Olly Quinn of the boyband DearAlice, Mercury Prize nominee Sam Lee, Dame Joanna Lumley and illustrator R.W. Alley.

McKellen, taking part for the seventh time, has drawn a sketch of his Lord of the Rings character, Gandalf. The online auction runs for ten days, opening on 25 September 2026 on Epilepsy Action's official eBay page and closing on 4 October.

There is also a live element to the campaign. From Tuesday 22 September, Mr Doodle will paint a large public mural in Peckham, south London, working in front of passers-by through the week. The finished piece will be revealed on Friday 25 September, with special guests expected, among them comedian Jake Lambert.

About one in every 100 people in the UK is affected by epilepsy, and 80 new diagnoses are made each day. As well as raising funds, National Doodle Day works to reduce the stigma around the condition and get people talking about hidden disabilities.

Organisers are hoping the variety of celebrity doodles will encourage fans to bid generously. The whole collection can be viewed and bid on through Epilepsy Action's official eBay store from 25 September 2026.

Photo: Music-News
Source: Muzland
Added by Frank
6 views