Authors for Grenfell: bid now

Watching the heart-wrenching images of the Grenfell Tower tragedy recently, I’m sure I wasn’t alone in wanting desperately to help, but feeling quite powerless to do so.

An army of fantastic volunteers were there to provide assistance in the immediate aftermath (along with the indescribably dedicated and brave emergency services), but in the long term, the families affected will be best served with money to rebuild their lives.

And here’s a really novel way to help with that…

Authors For Grenfell Towers is an online auction of one-of-a-kind literary items and experiences, which was started by two authors and a book agent to raise funds for the Red Cross appeal.

There are more than 600 lots to bid for, including a number from some of the top children’s authors around.

Here are just a few of the wonderful items you could get your hands on:

A signed copy of Charlie and Lola: I Will Not Ever Never Eat A Tomato by Lauren Child

A signed and personalised first edition copy of Uncle Gobb and the Green Heads by Michael Rosen

A signed copy of The Tiger Who Came To Tea by Judith Kerr

A numbered official collectors edition print of Matilda by Quentin Blake

An original drawing and two signed books by Ed Vere

Claridges afternoon tea and book reading with David Walliams (although the highest bid currently stands at £10,000 so you might want to try for some signed first editions of his books instead…)

There’s loads more, including school visits and the chance to name a character in a book. But you need to get in quick – bidding closes at 8pm on Tuesday 27 June 2017.

Head to authorsforgrenfelltower.com to find out more and put in a bid. Good luck!