Rowling's Potter books are hugely popular

The celebrated writer is patron of the Maggie's Centre in Edinburgh, which gives help and support to people suffering from cancer.

It provides a range of services for cancer sufferers, including art therapy, group support, breast cancer care and support for friends and family.

It is now looking to establish further centres in Glasgow and Dundee.

JK Rowling is also an ambassador for the National Council for One Parent Families, and supports other causes including multiple sclerosis research.

Top earner

Last month she was given the title Doctor of Letters by Napier University of Edinburgh at a ceremony in the city's Festival Theatre.

The previous week the 34-year-old writer was named as Scotland's top earner.

Rowling took top spot in the Scottish section of the Sunday Times Pay List with a take-home salary of �25m - more than top earners like Rangers chairman David Murray and Stagecoach tycoon Brian Souter.

The magical transformation in Ms Rowling's fortunes is down to the phenomenal success of her children's books, which follow the adventures of apprentice wizard Harry Potter.

Sales records

The first book in the series - Harry Potter and The Philosophers Stone - is currently being made into a Hollywood blockbuster by Steven Spielberg's Dreamworks studio.

Earlier this year, the fourth instalment in the series - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - shot to the top of the worldwide bestsellers list on its day of release.

It has already broken all sales records for children's books.

JK Rowling's books have now been translated into 28 languages and are sold in 30 countries around the world.