Creativity That Changes Children's Lives
Hope in Every Line is a unique creative auction which brings together some of the UK's most celebrated children's authors and illustrators to raise funds 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 will launch at the British Library before being 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.
In the 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.
The campaign was inspired by Sophia Whitfield, children's author and Director of New Frontier Publishing, whose personal experience of losing one of her children to complications linked to cerebral palsy led to the idea of bringing the publishing community together in support of medical research.
What You'll Find
- Plenty to choose from More than 40 unique auction lots from some of the UK's most-loved children's authors.
- Find your favourite author Creations from names including Tom Fletcher, Julia Donaldson, Rob Biddulph, Michael Morpurgo, Nick Butterworth, Fatima Whitbread and Bob Alley.
- Bid on a one-off piece Rare and exclusive items created especially for Action Medical Research.
- Look for the personal touch Hand-written or hand-signed one-off pieces from authors and illustrators.
- The auction site unlocks at 9am on Friday 9 October 2026
Why We're Raising Funds
Every pound raised through the auction will help support vital work that gives children and young people the support, hope and opportunities they need to thrive.
"“Each creator has interpreted the Hope in Every Line 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,” says Lewis Coghlin, our Director of Fundraising.
“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.”
Remembering michael bond
The auction also coincides with the centenary of the birth of beloved Paddington Bear creator Michael Bond.
And it is 50 years since the author gave his blessing for Action Medical Research to become Paddington's favourite UK charity, adding further significance to the campaign's celebration of children's literature and charitable giving.