Signed Portsmouth FC FA Cup football and Raymond Blanc recipe book among prizes up for grabs in Rowans Hospice online fundraising auction

Rowans Hospice will be hosting a virtual auction with several ‘money-can't-buy' items to provide much-needed relief for the charity.

Some of the luxury items include a signed Raymond Blanc recipe book, signed Premier League memorabilia and an exclusive Charlotte Tilbury workshop.

Up for grabs for Portsmouth fans are a framed David James FA Cup Final shirt from 2008 and an FA Cup signed Portsmouth football.

Other prizes include a bottle of Laurent Perrier Champagne, a Tuscany wine break for four people and a special edition Mary Berry kitchen mixer.

Rowans Hospice, which supports those with life-limiting illnesses and their families, has been massively affected by lockdown restrictions, causing ‘unprecedented financial losses’.

Carol Milner, director of income generation, said: ‘Our community and supporters have been incredibly generous in the way they have donated and sponsored this event; there is such a variety of products and we have no doubt the online auction itself will attract lots of interest and attention.’

‘Our hope is that all those who take part are able to find something special, whilst thoroughly enjoying the process and are secure in the knowledge that all proceeds will go towards ensuring the charity can continue to care for patients and their families now and into the future.’

With the public’s support and generous bids, income from the auction will be helping the charity to continue its services into the future.

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Rowan Hospice costs £6.8m each year to provide care for its patients, along with maintenance and upkeep of the facilities.

The charity said 90 per cent of its income comes from fundraisers, but all hospice events had to be cancelled from 2020 into this year and its shops were closed for most of 2020.

The organisation offers in-patient care, a drop-in support centre, help for living at home with a terminal illness and psychology and bereavement counselling free of charge.

While the charity receives some support from both the NHS and Social Services, the majority of the money needed must be fundraised each year.

The auction runs from Monday, March 8, ending at 10pm on March 29. To enter and support this local charity, go to jumblebee.co.uk/rowanshospiceonlineauction

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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