Spice Girl Mel C and acting legend Sir Ian McKellen are among a star-studded line-up of celebrities, artists, and illustrators reaching for their pens to support National Doodle Day 2026.
Now in its 22nd year, the annual fundraising initiative is run by national charity Epilepsy Action. The event brings together creative figures from across music, film, and television to produce original, one-of-a-kind artworks to be auctioned online. All proceeds raised will go toward delivering vital services for the estimated 630,000 people living with epilepsy across the UK.
Joining Mel C and Sir Ian McKellen in this year’s artist roster are Eurovision performer and songwriter TEYA, Olly Quinn of boyband DearAlice, Mercury Prize nominee Sam Lee, Dame Joanna Lumley, and illustrator R.W. Alley. Participating for the seventh time, McKellen contributed a hand-drawn sketch of his iconic Lord of the Rings character, Gandalf.
The ten-day online auction launches on 25 September 2026 via Epilepsy Action's official eBay page, running through to 4 October.
Alongside the celebrity auction, this year’s campaign features an exclusive live collaboration with internationally renowned artist Mr Doodle. Beginning Tuesday 22 September, Mr Doodle will hand-paint a massive public mural live in Peckham, South London. Members of the public can watch the artwork take shape throughout the week, with the finished piece set to be unveiled on Friday 25 September alongside appearances from special guests, including comedian Jake Lambert.
Epilepsy affects approximately one in every 100 people in the UK, with 80 new diagnoses made every day. Beyond fundraising, National Doodle Day aims to break down the public stigma surrounding the condition and encourage open conversations about hidden disabilities.
Organisers hope the wide range of unique celebrity artwork will inspire fans to bid generously. The full collection of doodles will be available to view and bid on via Epilepsy Action’s official eBay store from 25 September 2026.
