Starting at 10am GMT, the marathon read-along will be live-streamed for free and will see Andy reading the entire book from start to finish with no breaks. Along with raising spirits, Andy hopes the marathon performance will drive much-needed donations for two charities very close to his heart. All of the money raised will be split equally between NHS Charities Together and Best Beginnings, for which Andy has been an ambassador for more than six years. Andy is calling on fans from all over the world, (including Middle Earth and beyond!) to unite and to donate via the GoFundMe campaign. Andy said "So many of us are struggling in isolation during the lockdown. While times are tough, I want to take you on one of the greatest fantasy adventures ever written, a 12 hour armchair marathon across Middle Earth whilst raising money for two amazing charities which are doing extraordinary work right now to help those most in need."

The live stream will start at 10am GMT (5am EST, 2am PST) Friday 8th May, and the livestream link will be posted on the GoFundMe page on Friday morning.

Donations can be made at: https://www.gofundme.com/thehobbitathoncovid19appeal