Alesha Dixon and some of UK’s best-selling authors back ‘novel’ idea to raise money for children with cancer

Popular authors and famous faces are offering bookworms signed books and an exclusive opportunity to have a character named after them in their next book, to raise money for children and young people with cancer.

A wide selection of the UK’s most well-known authors are getting behind the Get in Character campaign from CLIC Sargent, the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people.

Get in Character is a unique 7-day eBay auction from Monday 4 March to Sunday 10 March which gives readers the chance to become immortalised in their favourite authors’ next book, win signed books or even a signed illustration.

Over 50 authors are taking part this year in the campaign which has raised over £35,000 for the charity since it began in 2014. Character names up for grabs include from hugely popular TV personality and fan-favourite Alesha Dixon, internationally acclaimed thriller writer Stephen Leather, best-selling author Lisa Jewell and British comedy novelist Nick Spalding.

Alesha Dixon, said: “Get in Character is a fantastic way to help a vital charity to support young lives in their fight against cancer. I’m thrilled to be able to offer the name of a character in my next book Superpower Showdown to help CLIC Sargent in its mission to stop cancer destroying young lives.”’

Other items that will be auctioned during the event include signed books from internationally acclaimed thriller writer Lee Child and Horrid-Henry author Francesca Simon.

There is also a signed illustration to be won, by award-winning designer Coralie Bickford-Smith.

The family of 11-year old book-lover, Maisie Bullock, from Northampton, are also supporting the campaign after Maisie received a shock diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia aged just seven years old.

During Maisie’s treatment, the family were supported by CLIC Sargent who provided them with financial, emotional and practical support, including a stay at one of the charity’s Homes from Home, Billy’s House in Nottingham, where they were able to stay for free to be close to Maisie during treatment, and to remain together as a family many miles from home.

Sarah, Maisie’s Mum said: “It’s called a Home from Home for a good reason: it is. When everything around is so frightening, unfamiliar and life is filled with endless consent forms and warnings of terrible side effects – all you crave is ‘normal’ and a room in Billy’s House meant just that.

“Maisie also loves reading and found it a big help during her treatment. Maisie has always loved telling and listening to stories – and her favourite author is David Walliams, particularly The Midnight Gang which is about a group of children on a hospital ward which really resonated with her. Books are a fantastic way of children escaping for a while from the endless round of hospital stays and treatment.”

After two and a half years of treatment, Maisie is now in remission, is back at school, doing well and enjoying life.

“I know I speak for Maisie, and our whole family in saying we are forever indebted to CLIC Sargent for the amazing work they do for families facing childhood cancer. CLIC has been with us all the way – but critically, just when we needed them most. This is why we’re backing CLIC Sargent’s ‘Get In Character’ campaign and asking others to bid and get involved.”

Rachel Kirby-Rider, Director of Income and Engagement at CLIC Sargent, said: “It’s fantastic to have the support of so many authors and famous faces for our 2019 ‘Get in Character’ campaign. Their generosity means we can offer book fans a truly unique opportunity to bid to be part of their favourite author’s next book whilst also raising vital funds for children and young people with cancer. All the money raised will mean that, with CLIC Sargent’s support, even more young people like Maisie can thrive not just survive after their cancer diagnosis.”

For the chance to have your name in one of your favourite books visit: http://bit.ly/getincharacter19 on Monday 4 March to place your bid.

Notes to editors

For more information about CLIC Sargent, an interview or images, please contact Martha Taylor-Rowe on 020 8752 2812 or Martha.taylor-rowe@younglivesvscancer.org.uk. Out of hours contact 08448 481189.

About cancer in children and young people

Today, 12 more children and young people in the UK will hear the devastating news that they have cancer. Treatment normally starts immediately, is often given many miles from home and can last for up to three years. Although survival rates are over 80%, cancer remains the single largest cause of death from disease in children and young people in the UK.

About CLIC Sargent

When cancer strikes young lives CLIC Sargent helps families limit the damage cancer causes beyond their health. CLIC Sargent is the UK’s leading charity for young cancer patients and their families. We provide specialist support, to help and guide each young cancer patient and their family. We will fight tirelessly for them, individually, locally and nationally. For more information, visit www.clicsargent.org.uk

Note to sub editors

Please note that the name ‘CLIC Sargent’ should not be abbreviated to CLIC, and that the word ‘CLIC’ should always appear in capitals, as above.