Ed Sheeran and Olivia Colman among stars donating items to War Child fundraiser

The money will help care for children in war-torn Gaza and Ukraine

Ed Sheeran
Author: Sian RochePublished 25th Apr 2024

An original script for romantic comedy Love Actually is being put up for sale along with personal items from Suffolk's Ed Sheeran and Norfolk's Olivia Colman to raise money for a charity caring for children in war-torn Gaza and Ukraine.

More than 70 people from music and film have donated exclusive signed items, which include director Emerald Fennell's limited edition Saltburn script signed by the cast and the signed guitars of musicians Sheeran and Nile Rodgers.

The cash will go to the War Child charity, which says it will help children learn and give them psychological support in 14 countries affected by conflict, including Ukraine, Gaza and Syria.

"More children are living through conflict than ever before"

War Child ambassador and Saltburn star Carey Mulligan said: "Right now more children are living through conflict than ever before.

"Having worked with War Child for more than 10 years, I am grateful to have witnessed first-hand the life-changing impact of providing vulnerable children and families with the resources they so desperately need.

"It is amazing what the creative industry can achieve when we come together, and I hope as many people as possible choose to help War Child by bidding on these rare items which have been lovingly donated."

"The chance of a brighter future"

Other stars contributing include Marvel actor Mark Ruffalo, rapper Aitch, rock band Coldplay and actress Gillian Anderson.

Oscar-winner Colman, who grew up in Norwich, said: "The psychological impact of conflict can be devastating for a child.

"War Child's work is vital in providing support as early as possible to help children to heal, for the chance of a brighter future."

War Child was founded in 1993 by filmmakers David Wilson and Bill Leeson and activist Willemijn Verloop, and has worked with high-profile artists to raise awareness and funding for children in conflict over the past 30 years.

Hear the latest news from across the UK every hour, on Magic Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, and on the Rayo app.