Sussex Refugee Solidarity

Sussex Refugee Solidarity are a community of Hastings, Brighton and Worthing residents collecting and sending aid to refugees arriving on the Greek islands of Chios and Leros as well as lobbying and adding capacity and support for other projects in the area.

The group have coordinated the delivery of tonnes of warm clothes, sanitary products and baby milk since October, with volunteer Laura Wright spending Christmas in Chios helping Syrian families as they arrived by boat.

Spokesman James Turnbull said: “A huge list of celebrities has stepped up to support Brighton-based refugee projects. 80s music superstar Alison Moyet will be hosting a music quiz in aid of local refugee aid and education projects. Questions are being written by a range of award-winning journalists and musicians, including Bond/Sherlock/Independence Day composer David Arnold; BAFTA winning writer David Quantick; The Guardian’s Beauty Editor, Sali Hughes; long-time Charlie Brooker collaborator and TV Burp writer Dan Maier; and Steve Hillier from Dubstar.

“Alongside some very special guests performing live, there will also be a cash prize for the winning team as well as spot prizes throughout the night.”

James added: “A companion online celebrity auction is also offering unique and collectable items to the highest bidders in the weeks leading up to the quiz.

“The unique auction includes some incredible prizes: satirist Ian Hislop’s tie, as worn on Have I Got News For You; an invite to be Sara Pascoe’s backstage guest for a panel-show filming; a private cookery lesson from comic, broadcaster and food-lover Hardeep Singh-Kohli; a chance to be M for the day with a chauffeur-driven drive in the Jaguar XJL as used in Skyfall; a Sherlock score sheet, signed by composer David Alnold; a bottle of House of Commons wine signed by Hove’s own Peter Kyle MP; signed CDs and tour passes from The Fratellis; a goodie bag from legendary Brighton indie label Tru Thoughts; and a signed book and beauty goodie bag from Sali Hughes, The Guardian’s beauty editor.

“With more donations from Billy Bragg, Caitlin Moran, Rebecca Front, Kevin Eldon, Milton Jones, Caroline Lucas, Quentin Blake and original art from Martin Rowson, Simone Lia, Dave Shelton, the list goes on! Sussex businesses The Brighton Wheel, Charleston House, Butlers Wine Cellar, Chilli Chicks and Escape Yoga Clinic are just some of those donating amazing items to the highest bidders.”

James added: “All money raised will be split between two Sussex refugee support projects, The Calais School Bus Project and Sussex Refugee Solidarity.”

To buy tickets for the quiz or bid on the auction, visit www.sussexrefugeesolidarity.uk. Any businesses or individuals wanting to donate auction items can do so by emailing [email protected].