British actor and director Andy Serkis has launched a 12 hour 'Hobbitathon', performing a reading of the entire Tolkien novel from start to finish via livestream, raising funds for NHS Charities Together and Best Beginnings.

Serkis, who played Gollum in the Hobbit films, commented 'I want to take you on one of the greatest fantasy adventures ever written. Join me for a 12 hour armchair marathon reading of “The Hobbit”, in aid of two amazing charities which are doing extraordinary work right now to help those most in need'.