Here's where to bid for a unique illustrated Doctor Who script signed by Peter Capaldi in aid of Edinburgh's Capital Sci-Fi Con's CHAS fundraising

The Scottish actor, director and writer has donated a one-off, personally illustrated script for an online charity auction to celebrate the return of Capital Sci-Fi Con later this month. All proceeds from the auction will go to Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, better known as CHAS, a cause for which Capaldi has become a stalwart advocate.

The auction, which is now live at https://www.jumblebee.co.uk/capitalscificon2020, also includes rare items autographed by fellow CHAS champion and recent 2020 Golden Globe winner Brian Cox, a fan portrait endorsed and signed by science fiction and fantasy legend Sylvester McCoy and hard to find Star Wars memorabilia donated by collectors.

Last year, Capaldi donated a full day of his time to raise money for the charity, belting out David Bowie classic Starman to the masses and refusing to leave the building until he’d met the last fan. It raised over £62,000, taking the overall total the annual event has raised for CHAS to an 'out-of-this-world £250,276' since 2016.

Peter Capaldi at Capital Sci-Fi Con 2019

Capaldi says, “This is a shooting script for Heaven Sent – or X as it was known at the time. Reading the full script gives an insight into Steven Moffat’s beautiful work, as well as that of Rachel Talalay the director and our wonderful crew. I’ve painted a picture on the cover because it’s a fun thing to do and, for Doctor Who collectors, makes it an absolutely unique item.

“I’m sorry I can’t be with the CHAS team at Capital Sci-Fi Con this year, but hope this is a little reminder. Please support their amazing work.”

Fiona Leslie, of CHAS, adds, “Peter has been a beacon for CHAS since he kindly accepted our invitation to last year’s Capital Sci-Fi Con, where he to meet hundreds of fans as well as some of the families who find respite and care though either Rachel House, Robin House or our CHAS at Home provision.

“Besides his acting and musical talents, fans might sometimes overlook the fact that Peter is also an exceptional artist. We are privileged that he has given us this customised, personally illustrated script to auction off to a lucky fan. We extend thanks to Brian Cox and Sylvester McCoy for their generous contributions and of course the Star Wars memorabilia collectors who have dug deep into their personal archives to donate rarities for auction.

“We are also indebted to the science fiction community and particularly Keith Armour’s team at Capital Sci-Fi Con for everything they do to raise awareness and funds for CHAS throughout the year. Inclusivity, affordability and accessibility are crucial to Keith’s team and the convention, it has been heartening to see people from different corners of the globe, as well as the science fiction community at large, united by this phenomenal event."

Now in its fifth year, the not-for-profit family friendly pop culture, comic and movie convention is organised for fans by fans and is set to take place from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 February at the Corn Exchange, New Market Road.

Guests appearing at the 2020 edition include patron and Star Wars legend Angus MacInnes, Harry Potter’s David Bradley, sixth Doctor Who Colin Baker, Game of Thrones star Ian Beattie and many other personalities from the worlds of science fiction and fantasy.

Other highlights of the weekend include cosplayers, talks, comic book artists, memorabilia stalls, interactive replica prop sets from The Avengers, Batman, Star Trek, Jaws, Gremlins E.T. and much more.

Tickets for the event are available to buy now via https://www.capitalscificon.co.uk/tickets.html