How Sir Ian McKellan helped raise thousands for a Leeds charity

Legendary Lord of the Rings actor Sir Ian McKellen swapped his staff for a a sketchpad to work his magic to raise thousands of pounds for a Leeds charity.

A doodle by the actor, best loved for his portrayal of Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films, has raised over £3,000 for Epilepsy Action based in Yeadon.

His artwork as part of the charity’s National Doodle Day joins creative works from Dame Joanna Lumley, Freema Agyeman and the cast of Taskmaster to raise over £26,000 in total for the charity.

Sir Ian McKellen's sketch for National Doodle Day. | Submitted

placeholder image — Sir Ian McKellen's sketch for National Doodle Day. | Submitted

The annual fundraising event, which this year celebrates its 21st birthday, has bought in over £265,000 to support people impacted by epilepsy.

Ian McKellen, who received his highest donation to date for his doodle, said: “‘I’m delighted to lend my hand — quite literally — to National Doodle Day this year.

“My little Gandalf sketch joins countless others in raising vital funds for Epilepsy Action, whose work makes such a difference to so many lives. It’s a joy to be involved, and I hope these doodles bring both smiles and support where it’s needed most.”

Dame Joanna Lumley's sketch for Epilepsy Action, which is based in Yeadon, Leeds. | Submitted

Michael King, Doodle Day lead at Epilepsy Action, said: “We’re delighted to announce that National Doodle Day 2025 was an amazing success, raising over £26,000.

“This one of our highest totals to date and is a perfect way to celebrate the fundraiser’s 21st birthday.

“I want to thank everyone who created a doodle for us, or who bid on or bought a doodle.

“A big thank you to some of our most loyal celeb doodlers including Sir Ian McKellen, Dame Joanna Lumley and Olivia Colman, as well as some of our newcomers such as JADE, Sir Ben Kingsley and the cast of Taskmaster. Every single penny goes towards helping Epilepsy Action provide their services that really can be life-changing.

“Despite being one of the most common conditions in the UK, many people with epilepsy often feel isolated and misunderstood, and this is something that Epilepsy Action is striving to change. With both high profile and the general public’s support, together we can all create a World Without Limits for people with epilepsy.”

Epilepsy affects around one in every 100 people in the UK and around 80 are diagnosed every day.