World Cup pundit Rio backs Richie's charity auction

A football and a boxing glove signed by former England captain-turned-boxer Rio Ferdinand are the latest items being auctioned by Telford boxing hero Richie Woodhall.

The items, which will be sold as a single lot, go under the hammer in Richie's latest charity auction.

Richie, who has raised thousands of pounds for cancer charities from his regular auctions, will donate all proceeds from the sale to the Teenage Cancer Trust

"Rio is one of the television pundits for the World Cup, so hopefully it will attract a bit of interest," said Richie, who holds regular charity auctions in memory of this father Len.

"The Teenage Cancer Trust is an excellent cause, so I'm really hoping they will fetch a good price."

He said Ferdinand, who played in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, was delighted to support his fundraising efforts.

He said cancer support was a subject very dear to his heart following the death of his wife Rebecca from the disease in 2015.

Richie coached Ferdinand as the footballer sought a professional boxing licence last year.

Richie has been holding regular auctions in aid of cancer charities since Len's death from prostate cancer in 2015.

Len, who was 75, was well-known as a boxing coach in the Telford area.

The Teenage Cancer Trust rose to prominence when 19-year-old Stephen Sutton from Burntwood, near Cannock, raised £3 million for the charity as he battled terminal cancer. A host of celebrities, including comics Jason Manford and Jimmy Carr, pledged their support to Stephen’s fundraising effort.

The auction will be held on Wednesday next week at Halls in Bowmen Way, Battlefield, starting at 10am. The items are available for viewing the day before the auction, and on the morning itself. If you are unable to bid in person, It is possible to bid online through the website the-saleroom.com/halls although you will need to register in advance.

Alternatively, you can leave your maximum bid with the auctioneer by telephoning 01743 450700.