Hundreds of celebrities, artists and illustrators are once again reaching for their pens and paper, to create one-of-a-kind doodles to be auctioned for a Leeds-based charity. National Doodle Day, now in its 22nd year, is an annual fundraising event run by national charity Epilepsy Action, based in Yeadon. Some of the most famous faces on the line-up this year include Sir Ian McKellen, Dame Joanna Lumley, R.W Alley, Alice Oseman, Axel Scheffler and more.

Representing Yorkshire in the auction are comedian Maisie Adam, actress Donna Preston, Marvel comics illustrator Staz Johnson, The Traitors Star Faraaz Noor, Britain’s Got Talent golden-buzzer act Will Burns, comedian Kat Ronson, singer Sam Lee, and Leeds Knights defenceman Bailey Perre.

Falling on 25th September this year, the event brings together hundreds of artists, illustrators and celebrities to create original artworks, which are auctioned across a ten-day period. All funds raised from the event will go towards the charity’s work delivering vital support to the 630,000 people with epilepsy and their loved ones across the UK. Over 52,000 people are living with the condition in Yorkshire alone.

Christina Stambolin's doodle

Back of Christina Stambolin doodle

Doodling for his seventh time, Ian McKellen said: “I’m delighted to lend my hand, quite literally, to National Doodle Day again this year. My little Gandalf sketch joins countless others in raising vital funds for Epilepsy Action, whose work makes such a difference to so many lives. It’s a joy to be involved, and I hope these doodles bring both smiles and support where it’s needed most.”

Rising star comedian Jake Lambert, who lives with epilepsy, spoke about his upcoming second Doodle Day: “I’m so happy to be supporting National Doodle Day again this year. I know how important the work Epilepsy Action does is. I’ve doodled all my life, at school, during exams and on zoom calls, so it’s nice to be able to put all that practice to good use for such a great and important cause.”

Epilepsy is often a lifelong condition, which affects around 1 in 100 in the UK. Epilepsy Action provides support for people with epilepsy across the country, through a range of services including support groups, an award-winning support line, one-to-one Peer Support and more. The charity also runs many national campaigns that improve the lives of and care for people with epilepsy, as well as tackling the stigma that often comes with the condition.

Michael King, Doodle Day Lead, said: “We’re thrilled to see another star-studded line-up for our 22ndNational Doodle Day. It’s fantastic to see so many talented creatives coming together to doodle for such an important cause.

“We’re honoured to have so many iconic, Yorkshire stars, including Maisie Adam, Donna Preston and Staz Johnson, taking part this year. Whilst the charity supports people with epilepsy across the UK, we’re based in Yeadon, meaning that some of these local celebs have been able to drop into our office and see the work we do.

“We’re so grateful to all the incredible artists and illustrators who have dedicated their time and creativity to producing such wonderful designs. The beauty of doodling is that it’s accessible to everyone. There’s no pressure to be the next R.W. Alley - all you need to do is pick up a pen and give it a go!

“Epilepsy remains an incredibly misunderstood condition, and improving public awareness and understanding continues to be a challenge for charities like ours. Because epilepsy isn’t always visible, it can be overlooked, leaving many people unaware of the realities of living with the condition.

“Events like National Doodle Day give us an opportunity to break down those barriers and reach people who may know little about epilepsy. By putting creativity at the heart of the campaign, rather than focusing solely on the condition, Doodle Day helps challenge stigma and creates a positive, accessible space for people to start conversations about epilepsy.

“The auction opens on 25th September and runs for ten days, closing on 4th October. We hope people will enjoy discovering the incredible variety of artwork on offer, take the opportunity to learn more about epilepsy and, most importantly, get bidding!”

This National Doodle Day is also accompanied by a unique collaboration between Epilepsy Action and Mr Doodle. The internationally renowned artist will hand-paint a giant mural live in Peckham, at the heart of the South London neighbourhood’s thriving creative community. Members of the public will be able to watch the mural take shape from Tuesday 22nd September, and celebrity attendance is expected, with comedian Jake Lambert, who lives with epilepsy, likely to be one of the first visitors to the wall when the artwork is revealed in full on the Friday.

Mr Doodle will also attend an Epilepsy Action event held at The Met hotel in Leeds to celebrate National Doodle Day.



All doodles can be found on Epilepsy Action’s eBay site: https://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/epilepsyaction.

Epilepsy affects around one in every 100 people in the UK and over 52,000 people are living with the condition in Yorkshire alone. Epilepsy Action is committed to improving the lives of people with epilepsy, by campaigning for better services and raising awareness of the condition. The charity provides a national network of support groups, with expert advice available on its freephone support line 0808 800 5050 and online at www.epilepsy.org.uk.