Comedians celebrate National Doodle Day for epilepsy charity

Friday 2nd September 2022, 11:58am

Doodles by Aisling Bea, Joe Lycett and Katy Wix

Today is charity Epilepsy Action's 18th annual National Doodle Day, raising vital funds to support people affected by epilepsy, a neurological disorder.

In order to raise awareness of the condition and money for the charity, a number of comedians have contributed unique artworks that are now being auctioned off.

Joe Lycett, Aisling Bea, Patrick Monahan and Katy Wix have all created new works, alongside other celebrities including Dame Joanna Lumley and Sir Ian McKellen.

Illustrator Martin Brown, best known for his iconic contributions to the Horrible Histories series of books, has also drawn three new pieces for the auction.

He says: "My mum has epilepsy. She started having seizures when she was in her 60s but it took a distressingly long time to get the diagnosis. Epilepsy can be quite unlike what we think epilepsy is. So any way to spread awareness of everything that epilepsy is - and isn't - is OK by me. Even if it's just with a doodle.

"I say 'just a doodle'. There's really no 'just' about it. I'm a great believer in the idea that everyone can draw. And doodling is drawing. If you can doodle, you can draw. Who cares if your drawing doesn't look 'right'? Drawings can be realistic. But they don't have to be. In fact, maybe drawing can be quite unlike what we think drawing is. So go on, have a doodle, have a draw."

Share this page