News story
13 November 2025
This November, one lucky bidder will see their name immortalised in a Jeffrey Archer novel, as part of Cheffins’ 200-Year Anniversary Charity Auction, with all proceeds going to Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust and their campaign to raise money to build the new Cambridge Children’s Hospital.
As part of its 200-year anniversary celebrations, Cheffins has partnered with international bestselling author Jeffrey Archer to offer an extraordinary prize: the winning bidder’s name will appear in his final standalone novel, due for release in 2026.
Lord Archer, who is marking his 50th year of writing, said:
“Not many people can say they’ve found their way into a Jeffrey Archer novel, but this auction gives them the chance! It’s my final standalone novel, so I thought it was time to have a little fun and try to raise money for a fantastic charity at the same time.”
“Only I will decide who this character is in the book and how they fit into the plot. They could be a chauffeur, a fast bowler, a farmer, or a fraudster. I can’t wait to find out who wins the bidding and how their name will fit into my final novel.”
Jeffrey Archer has sold over 275 million copies of his books worldwide, published in 97 countries and in more than 37 languages. He is the only author to have reached the number one bestseller spot in fiction, short story and non-fiction categories. Archer’s latest book ‘End Game’ was released in September 2025 and signalled the close of a run of eight books starring fictional character ‘William Warwick.’
Proceeds from the auction, which is now live on the Cheffins website, will go towards building a playroom for children being treated at the new Cambridge Children’s Hospital (CCH).
The hospital will not only be the first specialist children’s hospital for the East of England but also the first in the world to fully integrate treatment of children’s mental and physical health, alongside world-leading research.
Cheffins has been supporting the cause as part of the firm’s 200-year anniversary celebrations, as it focusses on supporting the next generations throughout East Anglia.
Lord Archer, who is married to Dame Mary, who is ACT’s President as well as co-chair of the CCH campaign board, said: “Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust is a charity which is close to my heart, not least because my wife, Mary, is President and has committed so much of her life to Addenbrooke’s. Please dig deep and this Christmas give as much as you can afford, knowing that you will be helping build a new children’s hospital at the same time.”
As of Wednesday 12th November, the current bid for Lord Archer’s ‘lot with a difference’ stood at £1,200, with the next bid priced at £1,300 upwards.
The live auction, which ends on November 23rd, includes a series of other money-can’t-buy opportunities, including a six-night stay in an exclusive resort in the Bahamas; Six Nations tickets; a Porsche driving experience and a week-long stay in a privately-owned bothy in Scotland.
Martin Millard, Equity Director, Cheffins says: “To have your name included in one of the world’s most successful author’s final standalone novel is a rare prize and something which would eclipse all other gifts under the tree for one of Archer’s hundreds of thousands of die-hard fans. As this is such a unique and unusual opportunity, it is impossible to put any sort of estimate on what something like this might be worth. Opening bids will be place at around £500 but there’s no telling how much this could raise in total.”
Cheffins are welcoming bids online now, at www.cheffins.co.uk
Click here to go directly to Cheffins’ live auction page.
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