Coronavirus: Comic Relief launches new t-shirt to raise funds for most vulnerable

Claudia Winkleman/Comic Relief
Claudia Winkleman/Comic Relief

Comic Relief has released a limited edition t-shirt to help raise funds for vulnerable people whose lives have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The t-shirt, designed by author and artist Charlie Mackesy, will feature his beloved characters, the boy and the mole from the book The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse next to the phrase “Love Wins”.

The t-shirts will sell for £15 and 100 per cent of the proceeds will go to charities battling against the pandemic, Comic Relief said.

A host of celebrities, many of them long-term Comic Relief supporters, have come together to back the campaign which went live on Monday.

Dame Joan Collins, TV presenter Claudia Winkleman and actress Carey Mulligan are among some of the names backing the initiative.

They are joined by singer Marcus Mumford, actor Himesh Patel, journalist Louise Minchin, actress Miranda Hart, chef Nadiya Hussain, journalist Reggie Yates and TV judge Robert Rinder.

“I’ve loved being involved in this collaboration, making a drawing which I hope captures the spirit of togetherness and kindness of the public at this incredibly difficult time,” said Mackesy.

“The community love we have seen shine through these heart-breaking times is remarkable. It has never been so important to look after each other.”

Strictly Come Dancing co-presenter Ms Winkelman urged the public to get behind the campaign.

“I think the design by Charlie Mackesy is just beautiful. I’ve supported Comic Relief for as long as I can remember – they fund incredible organisations, and I’ve seen first-hand how they genuinely change lives,” she added.

“If you can, please join me in wearing a Love Wins t-shirt – it’s gorgeous, it’s entirely ethically produced, and every single pound will help support some of the most vulnerable people affected by this crisis.”

Every pound raised from the campaign will go to charities in the UK and around the world in to help those in need of support during the pandemic.

This includes UK charities helping children and families in crisis and reliant on food banks, the elderly and isolated, women and children at risk of domestic abuse, people struggling with their mental health and those living in poverty or without stable housing.

It also includes charities working on the frontline response to the crisis around the world, including those helping to get emergency basic equipment such as soap and face masks to refugees living in overcrowded camps, helping children living on the streets get to a place of safety, and providing emergency support and advice to women at risk of increased violence due to the lock down.

The limited-edition Charlie Mackesy Love Wins t-shirt for Comic Relief is available to buy at comicrelief.com/love-wins.

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