• Hope in Every Line auction launched in October in support of Action Medical Research  
• Tom Fletcher, Julia Donaldson, Michael Morpurgo and Nick Butterworth were among contributors 
• Money raised will fund life-changing medical research for babies, children and young people. 

Children's charity Action Medical Research is delighted to announce that Hope in Every Line, a unique creative auction bringing together some of the UK's most celebrated children's authors and illustrators, has raised more than £9,000 for life-changing medical research for babies, children and young people.  

Featuring artwork, illustrations and literary contributions inspired by the themes of hope, healing and imagination, the collection was sold through an online auction, with proceeds supporting vital research.  

Contributors include acclaimed names from across the children's publishing world, including Bob Alley, Rob Biddulph, Nick Butterworth, Julia Donaldson, Tom Fletcher, Karen Jankel and Michael Morpurgo alongside many other authors, illustrators and creatives who have donated pieces especially for the campaign.  

Karen Jankel, daughter of Paddington’s creator, Michael Bond, donated an exclusive print for the auction. She says: "This year marks the 50th anniversary of Paddington first giving his support to Action Medical Research through my father —an extraordinary milestone that reflects the strength of this partnership. It is built on shared values: kindness, compassion, helping families and caring for children who need support. 

"My father was proud of Paddington’s association with Action Medical Research and the difference that association helped to make. Paddington reminds us to be kind and with this auction, we have turned that kindness into action." 

Robyn Wilson-Owen (pictured above), an illustrator, author and drawing tutor, was among those who donated works. "I remember being a member of the Paddington Action Club as a child, and how much that meant to me. I wanted to help Action Medical Research to continue its work to save and change children's lives, and I'm glad that my artwork was able to help with that." 

Award-winning designer and illustrator Sharon King-Chai generously donated one of her distinctive illustrations especially created for the auction, lending her creativity and support to this important cause. Reflecting on why she felt compelled to get involved, Sharon shares: “When I was asked to take part, it really resonated with me on a personal level. Through my journey as a mother, I’ve been privileged to meet some truly incredible human beings – children who, despite facing some of life’s most difficult challenges, have shown remarkable strength and resilience.  

"Meeting these children and their families has given me a deeper understanding of just how vital this life-changing medical research is. It has reinforced my belief in the importance of research that can bring hope, improve lives and make a meaningful difference to children and their loved ones." 

The campaign was inspired by Sophia Whitfield (pictured above), children's author and Director of New Frontier Publishing, whose personal experience of losing one of her children to complications linked to cerebral palsy gave rise to the idea of bringing the publishing community together in support of medical research.  

Action Medical Research funds pioneering research to help sick and disabled babies, children, and young people. Its work has helped achieve major breakthroughs – including developing ultrasound in pregnancy, tackling meningitis, and preventing stillbirths.  

In this year's National Year of Reading, Hope in Every Line celebrates the power of words, stories and illustration to inspire change while helping fund the next generation of breakthroughs for children facing serious illness and disability. 

"Hope In Every Line is a unique creative collaboration that brings together children’s authors and illustrators to shine a light on the life-changing and life-saving power of medical research,” says Lewis Coghlin, the charity’s Director of Fundraising. 

“Each creator has interpreted this message in their own voice or style, resulting in a moving and diverse collection that reflects the imagination, compassion, and insight of this creative community. 

“The knowledge that diseases can be beaten, that children’s lives can be saved, drives us forward. We are determined to help more children, but we can’t do it alone, which is why we are so grateful to all those who have supported Hope in Every Line.”