With the summer holidays hailing a break from exams, there can be no better way to celebrate one year (already!) since the release of the film version of John Green’s teen classic The Fault In Our Stars. Whether you are packing your bags to go on holiday or preparing to spend some seriously needed down time at home, you won’t need to travel anywhere to step into John Green’s world, this time to help raise money for The Teenage Cancer Trust.
Penguin has teamed up with the Teenage Cancer Trust and created the Night of Infinities in order to raise money for real-life cancer patients - just like Hazel and Gus in The Fault Within Our Stars. With a target of £25,000, all your help is needed!
Despite the amazing facilities for treating Cancer that are available in the UK, sadly over 280 0-14 year-olds die from Cancer each year as well – as 50 young adults between 15 and 19 years old. The Teenage Cancer Trust support and advise those directly affected by cancer, and their families and friends – so it’s a great charity to raise money for.
John Green himself has spoken about the impact working at a children’s hospital had on his life. In fact, it is partly what inspired his book!
So how can you help?
Very easily in fact! All you need is some friends or willing family members to participate in your own The Fault In Our Stars-inspired sleepover! The event is taking place across the UK and Ireland on 26th June 2015. Sign up at www.nightofinfinities.co.uk where you can also download a pack filled with fundraising ideas for Friday.
Everyone who donates on Just Giving via www.justgiving.com/nightofinfinities from 26 June onwards will be treated to a never-before seen John Green video. You are also asked to post a Facepack Selfie and text STARS to 70300 to donate £1 to Teenage Cancer Trust and nominate your friends and family to do the same using #nightofinfinities and including the text to donate details.
Singer Charli XCX, who provided the international hit “boom clap” for the TFIOS film soundtrack, has also given her support for the Infinities film night. She said: “I really hope that enthusiasm drives as many people as possible to organise a sleepover and have fun whilst raising money for Teenage Cancer Trust which does so much for the many young people with cancer like Hazel and Gus in the UK.”
The night would not be complete without some creative ideas to help you out on Friday 26 June:
6-8pm – Wizard Radio have happily stepped on board to infuse some John Green- themed madness into your night! Between 6-8pm they will be hosting a number of activities and events that listeners can take part in. Inspired by the book, you can expect to hear music, calls ins and take part in games and chats, all from the comfort of your own home. So no worries, you can stay wrapped up in your duvet, as all of this is accessible live at www.wizardradio.co.uk from all desktop computers, tablets and phones via the Tuneln radio app.
We’ve got a couple of great podcasts on the site that you can listen to as well:
- Swoon, listen to Ansel Elgort, star of the film of The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, answers questions from the Guardian teens’ book community about reading, making TFIOS movie and how the one thing he wants people to take away from watching it is hope.
- Listen to John Green read aloud from The Fault In Our Stars and talk about how he wrote the book
8.15 - 9pm – TFiOS Twitter Book Club – join a live chat about The Fault in Our Stars at @PenguinPlatform @teenagecancer remember to use#nightofinfinities on everything you post – @GdnChildrensBKs will definitely be joining in!
9.15pm – Have the tissues at the ready as you plunge into the cinematic world of The Fault In Our Stars once more! Whether you have the DVD or are streaming online, get ready to press play at 9.15 along with thousands of others up and down the country. Have fun reliving the highs and lows of the film but don’t forget to tweet as you watch and share all your favourite moments via #nightofinfinities.
11.30pm (ish!) – Dry your eyes, pat yourselves on the back and get some sleep! (Or carry on – kudos on the stamina)
If you want to do your own events or activities with your friends, that’s great too! The key is to raise awareness for this great charity through your love of the book.
Whatever you do, don’t forget to tweet #nightofinfinities. More info on the website nightofinfinities.co.uk.
