Author Patrick Ness has raised over £150,000 in just 24 hours after setting up a fundraising drive to aid Europe’s refugee crisis
After tweeting his disappointment in David Cameron’s handling of the situation, Ness said he felt compelled to do something and agreed to match donations of up to £10,000 as part of a personal appeal for the charity Save the Children.
Within hours he had received thousands of pounds, and fellow bestselling authors including John Green, Derek Landy and Jojo Moyes joined his plight, also offering to match donations of amounts up to £10,000.
The current total is £156,021, and Ness has been tweeting his thanks and support.
Okay, I don't know if this'll work but I'll match donations up to £10k to do *something* to help this refugee crises http://t.co/iDgBrCNTUc
— Patrick Ness (@Patrick_Ness) September 3, 2015
Folks! We are at £157,672 (pre Gift Aid) AND DAVID NICHOLLS WILL NOW MATCH £10,000 FROM £160K-170K! http://t.co/iDgBrCwj2E YAYAYAYAYAY!
— Patrick Ness (@Patrick_Ness) September 4, 2015
"I think it says that there are so many people who feel helpless, just like me, looking at those pictures and fuming about this government's inhumane non-approach" Ness said.
"They want to do something. That’s the message I’m getting."
With the overwhelming support from social media, Ness said he isn't yet how to best use the money raised, admitting he is "kind of planning it all on the fly".
"It’s been a busy day," Ness said. "But please give a little if you can."
You can donate to Ness's fundraising page here.
