Now in its 22nd year, the annual fundraising initiative is organized by the national charity Epilepsy Action. The event unites creative talents from across music, film, and television to craft distinctive pieces that will be offered in an online auction to raise funds. All proceeds will support vital services for the roughly 630,000 people living with epilepsy across the United Kingdom.
Joining Mel C and Sir Ian McKellen on this year’s roster are TEYA, a Eurovision performer and songwriter; Olly Quinn of the band DearAlice; Mercury Prize-nominated Sam Lee; Dame Joanna Lumley; and illustrator R.W. Alley. McKellen is taking part for the seventh time, contributing a hand-drawn drawing of his iconic Lord of the Rings character, Gandalf.
The ten-day online auction begins on 25 September 2026 on Epilepsy Action’s official eBay page and runs through to 4 October.
Ahead of the celebrity auction, this year’s campaign features an exclusive live collaboration withMr Doodle, an internationally renowned artist. Beginning Tuesday 22 September, Mr Doodle will 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 unveiled on Friday 25 September alongside appearances from special guests, including comedian Jake Lambert.
Epilepsy affects about one in 100 people in the UK, with around 80 new diagnoses each day. Beyond fundraising, National Doodle Day aims to reduce public stigma surrounding the condition and encourage open conversations about hidden disabilities.
Organisers hope the wide range of unique celebrity doodles will motivate fans to bid generously. The full collection of doodles will be viewable and available for bidding via Epilepsy Action’s official eBay store from 25 September 2026.
