Policeman or corpse? Islanders bid to name crime novel character

Saturday 23 February 2019

Police officer, murderer or even corpse... Islanders are being invited to bid to name a character in the next novel written by one of the UK's best-selling crime writers as part of a charity auction tonight.

Having recently moved to Jersey, author Peter James offered the unusual prize as part of an auction to raise funds for charity Action Duchenne - and there are just a few hours left to place a bid.

The character will appear in Mr James' Roy Grace series, which follows the activities of the Brighton-based Detective Superintendent as he investigates crimes ranging from the dark to mysterious.

"He or she can be a goody, a baddy, a police officer or even a corpse! This opportunity is also open to companies, to raise their profile and support this charity," paediatrician Cathy Howden, who organised the fundraiser, said.

I always plan the beginning, end and the first 20% of a book in detail – but after that I like events to happen spontaneously, and for the story to take on a life of its own. That way events, and how the characters react to them, feel authentic #WritingTip pic.twitter.com/As6jqcGrFq

— Peter James (@peterjamesuk) 20 February 2019

The auction comes as part of her wider fundraising efforts for Action Duchenne, which have been inspired by the plight of her 17-year-old cousin who the charity have been supporting through a "heartbreaking" and "lethal" condition causing his muscles to deteriorate.

Ioan was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy - a genetic disorder characterised by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness affecting one in 7,000 boys in the UK - when he was just a toddler.

“Of all the conditions I’ve seen as a paediatrician, I think this is one of the most heartbreaking,” Cathy said. “It is a lethal, genetic muscle wasting disease in boys, which first affects mobility, then the heart and respiratory muscles, causing death in early adulthood. Often, there is no family history and the diagnosis comes completely out of the blue.” 

Pictured: Ioan was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy when he was about two years old.

Despite being a newcomer to long distance running, Cathy has vowed to tackle the London Marathon and the London Landmarks Half Marathon this year in a bid to raise £3,500.

In addition to her busy work schedule - she works 16-hour shifts - and regular training sessions, Cathy has been organising a charity ball with the support of Gamma Aviation and Easenmyne to reach her fundraising goal.

Taking place tonight at the Ommaroo Hotel, the ball will include a raffle with a number of prizes donated by locals and Jersey companies, including a trip to the Ecrehous with Jersey Seafaris, flying lessons, hampers, vouchers and signed photos from Matt Porteous and John Ovenden.

Pictured: Cathy Howden with the signed picture donated by Matt Porteous.

The silent auction to name a character in Peter James' novel will close tonight. Bidders can email ‘nameinabook@hotmail.com’ before 21:00. There is a reserve price of £750, and the winning bid will be announced at the ball.

Cathy added: "Peter James’s series of Detective Superintendent Roy Grace novels are published in 37 languages, in 52 countries, with world sales of 19 million and he is a number one bestseller in many countries, as well as a New York Times bestseller, so instant global celebrity or advertising awaits this lucky winner!"