Heave Media

A Cause For Attention

Fifty-two celebrities get together to write a story.

There’s nothing like a little creativity. So, with the creativity of 52 well-liked individuals, a good story can most definitely be shaped. That’s what the UK’s NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) is working with. A total of fifty two celebrities, one for each week of the year, have agreed to help co-author a children’s storybook to help raise funds and awareness for NSPCC and their new telephone helpline through sponsors at telecom company Chess.

KT Tunstall, Hot Chip members, sports legend Linford Christie and fashion designer Henry Holland are only a few of the names that have already committed to contributing to the book. Each individual will be writing 10 lines of the Once Upon A Time tale before passing it on to the next writer.

Alex James, best known as the guitarist of Blur, was given the honor of starting up the book. According to sponsors, he has taken his inspiration from the Blur favorite, Country House, and his favorite childhood tale, The Secret Garden.

The story begins in a very big house in the country, inhabited by a wealthy duke who has a fondness for the finest cheese (since James is currently producing cheese on his farm, this is assuredly a well-educated duke). His contribution ends with the arrival of four children at the house; it will be up to Radio One DJ, Sara Cox, to continue the story as the second writer in the tale.

About the opportunity to write for the book, James said, “I am delighted to be the first author of the 118 520 storybook. I try to read my sons a story every night, so this is an opportunity I just couldn’t say no to.”

The story is expected to be completed by October and will be unveiled at an exclusive story-telling event. The book will be auctioned to raise funds for the NSPCC after its first public reading.

Posted by Leen Morrissey on Feb 21, 2008 @ 12:00 am