A poem-a-thon in London involving up to 60 poets reading for eight minutes each to raise money for refuges has already beaten its £12,000 target – before any of the poets have uttered a word.

The poem-a thon, to raise money to help the charity Médicins sans Frontieres to support their work with refugees in the Mediterranean, is taking place on Saturday 5 December at Vout-O-Reenee's Club, The Crypt, 30 Prescot Street, near Tower Hill and Aldgate east tube stations. It starts at noon, and will finish at 10pm.

You can contribute by visiting this website, or by turning up on the day to listen and to donate.

Each poet involved has signed up for a slot during which they read their own choice of poems. These will either be their own work or favourite poems they wish to share. You can find the link to each individual poet's fundraising site here

Background: Aylan poem in refugees anthology