Rowling to visit Romania to support children

Best-selling author JK Rowling is to visit Romania where she will take part in a fundraising gala to help children in need in Romania and across Europe, organisers said Monday.

Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books, recently became a trustee of the newly established charitable foundation The Children’s High Level Group, which raises funds to support children in need, focusing in particular on child health and development in Romania and across Europe.

She will be in Romania on January 25-26, where she will be the guest of honour at a gala at the former giant palace built by late dictator Nicolae Ceausescu.

Romanian star gymnast Nadia Comaneci and former tennis star Ilie Nastase will be among the guests, a press statement said.

Rowling will also meet institutionalised children who have demonstrated special gifts in sports, science and the arts.