JK Rowling works her magic

Aug 11 2008 By Martyn Pritchard

A local charity looks set to get a significant cash boost now that multi-millionaire author JK Rowling has backed their cause.

The Edinburgh-based author is sending the XP Support Group all seven of her books in the acclaimed Harry Potter series.
The Potter books sell like hot cakes and the last auction of  the seven first editions raised a total of £17,500 at auction on eBay.

A jubilant Sandra Webb (pictured), a trustee of the charity, said she was "speechless" about the backing from one of the world's most acclaimed writers.

XP or Xeroderma Pigmentosum is a rare condition which makes sufferers allergic to daylight. Sunlight can have a disastrous effect, sometimes blistering the skin and even causing skin cancer.  

The series will be auctioned off in November internationally and any profits will be ringfenced and earmarked for key XP Projects.
Mrs Webb said some cash would be put into an appeal the charity is fronting for a specialist nurse to be appointed at a clinic in London.

XP is to pledge a £20,000 contribution to this cause and the money from the Rowling books should enable them to prioritise this project.

The charity has won numerous awards during the 10 years of its existence and, in 2003, Mrs Webb picked up a Windrush Award for her campaigning efforts at London's Dorchester Hotel.