Literary prizes for Young Lives vs Cancer Good Books campaign

More than 80 authors, including Ian Rankin, are offering book fans the chance to win exclusive literary prizes to help raise vital money for Young Lives vs Cancer. The authors have come together with the aim to raise £10,000 for Young Lives vs Cancer.

The charity’s Good Books auction, which is being supported by some best-selling authors including Alice Oseman, Milly Johnson and Lisa Jewell, runs on eBay between Monday, February 28 and Sunday, March 6, including World Book Day on Thursday, March 3.

Since launching eight years ago, Good Books has raised more than £50,000 for the charity.

This year’s auction includes chances to be a named character in authors’ books, signed and personalised copies, prints, and even a chance to meet Ian Rankin.

The campaign has also been backed by the family of Hugo, 3, after he was supported by Young Lives vs Cancer when he was diagnosed with retinoblastoma in March last year, aged just 2.

His mum Sarah-Jane said books helped keep Hugo busy and distracted in hospital.

Sarah-Jane said: “Hugo has always loved books and they really helped during his treatment – and still do. They helped keep him entertained on the long chemo days and also help, even now, explain things like hospital stuff.  He loves everything from storybooks to fact books to sticker books. Hugo’s favourite book at the moment is his Pokémon Encyclopaedia… and he will be dressing up as Pikachu for World Book Day!”

Hugo’s now finished chemotherapy and is navigating the world of a prosthetic eye with his parents Sarah-Jane said. The family have been supported by Sarah from Young Lives vs Cancer.

“We were introduced to Sarah at Young Lives vs Cancer around the time we found out he needed chemo. Sarah was really supportive and helped us navigate things available to us, she checked in with us at the right times and helped us arrange some special things for Hugo. It meant so much that we knew someone at the hospital was there. Sarah has played such an important part within Hugo’s journey!”

Bestselling crime author Kate Rhodes said: “I have supported Young Lives vs Cancer for years. I think the work they do is hugely important to help alleviate the stress of illness for families coping with a cancer diagnosis. It’s an honour to take part in the auction.”

Author Sam Carrington added: “With cancer touching so many lives and the pandemic impacting services, it’s so important to boost fundraising in order to provide essential support for children, young people and their families. I’m honoured to be supporting Young Lives vs Cancer this year.”

To help raise money for Young Lives vs Cancer to continue being there for Hugo and more children and young people living with cancer, place your bids or help spread the word for Young Lives vs Cancer’s Good Books campaign this week.

Help share the auction link and if you fancy being a named character in an upcoming book or asking one of the biggest and best-selling crime writers of our generation a burning question, get bidding! You can visit the auction site here.