Poppy Delevingne launches UK Save With Stories pandemic initiative

Actor and model Poppy Delevingne has launched an online reading initiative to raise money for Save the Children during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Previously launched in the US, the UK campaign is run in conjunction with Scholastic, HarperCollins Children's Books, Andersen Press and Little Box of Books, who supply books to be included as part of the initiative.

Based on Instagram, Save the Stories sees celebrities read excerpts from children's books, to fundraise for the charity's coronavirus appeal.

Delevingne, who is an ambassador for the charity, said: “We are so excited to launch the UK version of the Save With Stories initiative.

"As we live through this challenging time, it is so important to spread some positivity whilst raising vital funds that will make a huge difference to some of the most vulnerable children here in the UK and around the world."

Actors Lily James and Billie Piper, and singer Paloma Faith have already participated, with Cara Delevingne, Eddie Redmayne, Sienna Miller, Nathalie Emmanuel, Rita Ora and Dominic Cooper, among others set to share stories.

Save the Children's executive director of fundraising and marketing Gemma Sherrington said: “we are incredibly grateful to Poppy and everyone who is getting involved in the Save With Stories project—either by reading a story or donating money to help this critical effort.

"Our Coronavirus fundraising appeal is essential to help families in the UK who are facing severe hardships including food poverty and a lack of essential items[...] around the world, fragile health systems are struggling to cope, which is why it is also essential that we continue to be there for children through our Emergency Health Unit, in-country health teams, water and sanitation programmes and psycho-social support specialists."

The charity has also set up the den, a free online hub which provides carers with creative resources and activities for children.