Wigan's Sir Ian McKellen is among celebrities again auctioning sketches they have made for a good cause

Hundreds of celebrities, including Wigan’s own Sir Ian McKellen, are selling their artworks for national charity Epilepsy Action.

Actresses Dame Joanna Lumley, Donna Preston and Freema Agyeman are among some of the other celebrities, artists, and illustrators reaching for their pens and paper this year, to create one-of-a-kind doodles to be auctioned for charity.

National Doodle Day, now in its 22nd year, is an annual fundraising event run by national charity Epilepsy Action.

Sir Ian and Dame Joannaare returning as loyal doodlers for the annual auction, amongst a star-studded line-up of TV and film stars.

There has been a big turnout from some of the UK’s favourite soaps, including Laura Norton (Emmerdale), Juhaim Rasul Choudhury (EastEnders), Freema Agyeman (New Amsterdam), Matilda Freeman (Coronation Street), Leo Cole (Hollyoaks) and Mark Jordon (Emmerdale).

Falling on September 25 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.

Doodling for his seventh time, Sir Ian 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.”

Epilepsy is often a lifelong condition, which affects around 630,000 people 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 22nd National 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 high-profile figures such as Sir Ian McKellen and Dame Joanna Lumley taking part, and we’re equally 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 RW 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. “

The auction opens on September 25 and runs for 10 days, closing on October 4.

All doodles can be found on Epilepsy Action’s eBay site: https://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/epilepsyactionand Mr Doodle’s mural will be located here.