YOUNG Bovey entrepreneur Bella Stephens has inspired local authors to fundraise for the Turkey Syria Earthquake Appeal.

When Bella Stephens, aged eight, made posters for a Sunday bake sale at her church on Sunday, February 26, to raise money for earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria, she had no idea how it would set the ball rolling in Bovey Tracey.

Inspired by her care and go-getting attitude, local authors Sarah McIntyre and Philip Reeve, pictured right, decided to pitch in, too.

Bovey Tracey Library hosted Sarah McIntyre for a sold-out, book-themed Unicorn Party on Thursday, February 16, from 11am to noon, and at the end of the event, she, her husband Stuart Pyle, Bella Stephens, and co-author Reeve hosted a book table, selling their books, signing and dedicating them, and donating all the profits to Tearfund, as part of the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal.

‘There are so many children living in horrendous situations right now,’ said McIntyre. ‘Many have lost their families, their homes, and they’re trying to stay alive in very cold weather.

‘We try to reach children with the stories in our books, but helping children survive is even more important. It would be great if sales of our books could help them in some way, and we hope people will be generous.

‘Even if you couldn’t get a ticket to the event, feel free to stop by the library at noon for a signed and dedicated book.

The Unicorn Party, organised by Kate Pearce at Bovey’s library, is the first time Sarah McIntyre has taken part at an event there since her move last year to Devon, and she’s keen to continue supporting the library, readers and staff.

She met Bella Stephens at the Parish church of St Peter, St Paul and St Thomas of Canterbury (PPT) in Bovey Tracey, and admired her efforts last year for a fundraising event for Ukrainian refugees.

For those who weren’t able to book tickets for the Bovey library event, Reeve & McIntyre will be leading a Comics Workshop the following week at Newton Abbot Library, 3pm, Saturday, February 25, as part of the library’s Pen and Ink Comic and Book Art Convention.

All proceeds from book sales at the end of that event will also go toward the earthquake appeal. (To book free tickets, search for ‘ Comic Workshop with Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre’ at eventbrite.co.uk or check Newton Abbot Library’s Facebook page.)