Celebrities and members of the public are flocking to support a charity auction due to take place in lockdown from a garden shed to raise money for the NHS.
TV’s salvage hunter Drew Pritchard, the Duke of Devonshire, pop star Chesney Hawkes, composer Simon May and chef Gregg Wallace are among a host of well-known faces who’ve pledged lots to back the cause. Plus, members of the public have made generous donations.
Star lots pledged include lunch and salvage antique hunting with Drew Pritchard. Plus, you can bid to spend a day with master upholster Craig Hughes or Nev the blacksmith, restoration experts on Salvage Hunters: The Restorers. Another unmissable lot is a personal tour for up to six people of Derbyshire stately home Chatsworth House with its owner the Duke of Devonshire.
Drew Pritchard, right, Nev the Blacksmith, bottom left and Craig the upholsterer.
Composer Simon may has offered musical advice, TV chef Gregg Wallace has donated a book and apron, Chesney Hawkes a goody bag and renowned collage artist and satirist Cold War Steve has donated a 1000-piece signed Hellscape jigsaw – to help beat isolation -signed copies of his books Festival of Brexit and A Prat’s Progress and a Lucky Ian badge, all personalised for the winning bidder
The sale is the brainchild of Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, who came up with the idea of doing an NHS fundraiser to battle Covid-19 ‘because I had to do something to help’.
In less than a week, celebrities and members of the public have come forward with generous donations – plus countless messages of encouragement and support.
Charles said: “I’ve been totally overwhelmed by the response. Pledges and donations are coming in hourly. I never expected this. Last week I was at home, feeling a bit down and bewildered, much like everyone else, and just thought I had to do something to help the NHS.
Lots donated by Cold War Steve and chef Gregg Wallace.
“I came up with the charity auction idea and, as I’m in lockdown, decided my Derbyshire garden shed could be my new saleroom. The idea has just taken off and I can’t thank people enough. Everyone loves the NHS and its dedicated staff and we’re all desperately keen to help the country battle coronavirus. In some small way, this auction has given people one way of showing their NHS love.
“I hope to raise as much money as possible to help our health workers look after themselves as well as Covid-19 victims during this traumatic time. The money will buy everything from protective clothing and thermometers to tea and biscuits for NHS staff.
“I can do this thanks to kind donations from friends in the antique world, famous faces, business owners and members of the public. At a time when everyone is feeling anxious about the devastating impact of Covid-19, this auction demonstrates our ability to rise above it and take positive action.”
Millennium lyrics signed by Robbie Williams and Roy Smith with his House of Commons autograph book.
Lots donated by members of the public include a cricket ball signed by the West Indies cricket team, a House of Commons autograph book crammed with 80 signatures including Ed Balls, David Cameron and Ed and David Milliband, and a copy of song lyrics Millennium signed by Robbie Williams.
Derbyshire business man Don Amott has donated a week’s holiday in a luxury a four-birth caravan plus a £100 donation; Sir Richard FitzHerbert, owner of Derbyshire’s Tissington Hall, has donated a tour of the period property and tea for four; auction service provider Bidpath has given two hospitality tickets for a Derby County game and chairman of Burton Albion Ben Robinson has gifted two matchday hospitality tickets as his guest.
Charles’ friends from the antiques world have also rallied round. David Harper has offered a chance to meet him, plus tickets for his show and a goodie bag; Charlie Ross is donating two hours auctioneering services or tea as his guest and jewellery expert Kate Bliss has donated a book on gemstones.
Paul Martin of Flog It! fame is offering a day out at a stately home of your choice anywhere in the UK or you can bid on Champagne afternoon tea for two with Catherine Southon.
Paul Martin, top left, and Tim Medhurst with his Roman coin up for auction.
Plus, coins and antiquities expert Tim Medhurst, also a familiar face on TV, has donated a Roman double denarius silver coin featuring goddess Salus. The coin was minted nearly 1,800 years ago, circa 244-249AD.
He said: “Charles Hanson is the only man I know who’d hold a charity auction in his garden shed. The coin I am donating to the sale features Salus – the Roman goddess of safety, wellbeing, welfare, health and prosperity. I think we all need a bit of that right now.”
Charles kicked off donations with his lot – his own trusty gavel which he has used for seven years.
He said: “They say seven is a lucky number. I hope my seven-year-old gavel will bring me luck to seal the deal on a fantastic fundraiser for our NHS heroes.”
The NHS Auction will be held on Friday, April 3 at 7pm. People can bid – for free – by registering/opening an account at www.hansonslive.co.uk. The catalogue is LIVE and people can bid now. To find out more, email [email protected] or [email protected].
