JULIA Roberts has called the beloved Northumberland illustrator behind a new British Red Cross T-shirt campaign "incredible" and "tender".
The Hollywood star has been spotted sporting the Charlie Mackesy-designed The Here For Humanity T-shirt, which features his signature characters from The Boy, The Mole, The Fox And The Horse.
The campaign aims to spread a message of hope and compassion at a time of increasing global conflict.
"Such a wonderful collaboration between the incredible and tender artist Charlie Mackesy and the British Red Cross," said Roberts.
"Inspiring the best in humanity."
Charlie Mackesy, who attended Hexham's Queen Elizabeth High School, said: "All my life, even as a child, I knew of the British Red Cross, and it always represented something kind and good.
"Now I better understand what it stands for, it feels a real privilege to collaborate in this way.
"For me, this shirt is a quiet expression of something deeply important – that we are connected, and that kindness really matters, perhaps now more than ever."
The campaign has attracted support from a host of well-known names, including TV chef Jamie Oliver, presenters Claudia Winkleman and Alison Hammond, and actress Joely Richardson.
Winkleman added: "It's an honour to wear this beautiful Charlie Mackesy T-shirt in aid of The British Red Cross. Regarding humanity, I'd like to quote Charlie himself.
"The boy asks 'what do we do?' and the horse replies 'keep holding on'".
Beatrice Butsana-Sita, chief executive of the British Red Cross, said: "Every day, we see the power of humanity in action.
"Whether responding to disasters here in the UK or supporting people affected by conflict around the world, it is humanity and compassion that makes the difference.
"By wearing the Here For Humanity T-shirt, people are showing what they stand for, and helping the British Red Cross be there when it matters the most."
Proceeds from T-shirt sales will go towards the organisation's work in the UK and overseas.
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