STARS BACK CHARITY HAT AUCTION IN ENGLAND

Celebrities Bill Nighy, Alan Rickman, Dame Maggie Smith, Emma Thompson and Nell McAndrew are donating hats to be sold in the Debra charity's "Celebrity Mad Hatter eBay Auction" that will be launched this month to raise funds for people affected by the genetic skin blistering condition EB (Epidermolysis Bullosa).

EB was brought to the public's attention by Jonny Kennedy, whose life and death was featured in the award-winning documentary "The Boy Whose Skin Fell Off".

The auction will be launched on eBay April 27 and will run until May 21, 2006.

Other stars donating hats are Sir David Jason, Ant and Dec, Graham Norton, Barbara Windsor, Anthea Turner, Aled Jones, Uri Geller, Ewan McGregor, Jill Halfpenny, Chris Tarrant and the band Maroon Five.

"Debra is the only organization supporting people with the genetic skin condition EB, which leaves the skin to delicate that it blisters and breaks at the slightest friction. I can't even imagine the pain that these children and adults have to go through. She relies on the generosity of the public to carry out its vital work so I would urge everybody to bid for their favourite star's hat.”

"There are some fantastic hats up for grabs, including my beret, so visit www.debra.org.uk now and click on the Mad Hatter logo to find out more."

"Their Celebrity Mad Hatter eBay Auction is a great way to help raise awareness and funds for such a great cause by simply bidding for your favourite hat. Make sure you bid and support Debra and keep Jonny's dream alive of finding a cure for EB."

The auction is part of Debra's Mad Hatter campaign, which includes Mad Hatter Day on Friday, May 5. On that day supporters are asked to wear a hat for the day and donate £1 to Debra. Participants include staff in Bhs stores across the UK.

All money raised from the Mad Hatter events will go towards funding Debra's specialist nursing and welfare team and research for EB.

For more information visit www.debra.org.uk or call 01344 771961.