Having a ball to help cancer charity
There are just two days to go before Richie Woodhall's latest charity auction, with a Manchester United ball signed by former England captain Rio Ferdinand up for grabs.
The ball will be sold to raise money for a children's cancer charity at Hall's auctioneers in Shrewsbury on Wednesday.
Don't worry if you can't turn up on the day, though, as you can leave a maximum price with the auctioneer who can bid on your behalf, or alternatively you can bid live over the internet.
Richie, who has raised thousands of pounds for cancer charities through his regular auctions over the past two years, will donate the proceeds from this sale to The Harry Johnson Trust.
The charity, formed in memory of Shrewsbury schoolboy Harry who died from a rare form of cancer at the age of seven, supports youngsters and their families who are being treated for cancer at Telford's Princess Royal Hospital.
Richie has been training former United defender Ferdinand in his new career as a boxer.
He said the ex-footballer was delighted to help, adding that cancer charities were dear to his heart having lost his wife Rebecca to the disease.
The Harry Johnson Trust has raised £200,000 to support children being treated for cancer at Telford’s Princess Royal Hospital, as well as their families, since it was formed three years ago. Harry, who lived with his parents at Vennington, near Shrewsbury, died in July 2014 after being diagnosed with Double Hit non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.
The charity provides a “Harry’s Hamper” for each child who is admitted to the cancer unit at Telford’s Princess Royal Hospital, providing essential items such as toiletries which can be forgotten in the rush associated with an unexpected diagnosis
It provides short breaks in the Shropshire area for children who have either been given a terminal diagnosis, or who have been going through a particularly difficult time.
The charity also provides treats and gifts for the youngsters and their brothers and sisters.
Halls has agreed to waive its usual fee for the auction.
The ball will be available for viewing at Halls auction centre in Bowmen Way from 9am to 4.30pm tomorrow, and then from 9am on the day of the sale.
The auction begins at 10am on Wednesday.
To bid online, please register with www.the-saleroom.com/halls before the start of the auction.
To place a maximum bid with the auctioneer, please telephone 01743 450700.
