RAISING money for a brand new children's unit at Steeton's Airedale Hospital is the aim of an auction of celebrity photos and memorabilia that takes place later this week.
Volunteer Eileen Stovold with the signed England Cricket shirt
There are over 30 lots lined up for Saturday's auction with a range of photos from the likes of comedian Frank Skinner, and signed books from Private Eye editor Ian Hislop and gardening legend Alan Titchmarsh.
The star attraction is a signed England cricket shirt signed by local lad Andrew Flintoff and the team who played in this year's tour of India. The shirt was worn by one of the team who played in the winning fifth day in the third test against India on 22nd March, the time when the team was captained by Flintoff.
The Appeal aims to raise £600,000 to refurbish the children's ward and has already raised £100,000 in less than a year. The appeal team hope to raise enough money to provide a new ward with accommodation for parents and extra space for children to receive their treatment and play therapy.
Mike Yates, Children's Unit Appeal Co-ordinator says; "It was the local Skipton Building Society who did all the hard work contacting celebrities for photos and in some cases used socks! We do have some really good pieces in the auction - a signed Private Eye Annual, a signed book from Alan Titchmarsh and other odd things like a pair of socks signed by Chris Tarrant!
"We received the shirt as a donation from a friend of one of our volunteers and we hope it will help us raise plenty of money on the day. It is all in aid of the Children's Unit Appeal so we hope that people will come along and bid generously."
The auction takes place on Saturday (27th May) at Keighley Cougars Rugby Club. Viewing starts at 10.00am and the sale starts at 11.00am. Entry costs £1 per person.
For more information about the Children's Unit Appeal, email childrensunitappeal@anhst.nhs.uk or phone the Appeals office on 01535 294605.
