OLYMPIC gold medallist Sally Gunnell helped Shoreham Vehicle Auctions achieve a major milestone – more than £150,000 raised for Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospice.
It followed this year’s two charity auctions – integrated within car and commercial vehicle sales – on November 18 and 26, which saw the West Sussex-based independent auction house raise £25,000 for the charity.
Gunnell, who is vice-president of the hospice, took to the rostrum on the day of the first sale to help spur on the winning bids.
Support came from the region’s motor trade, with donations from Yeomans, Tates, Caffyns, Dinnages, Frosts Cars, Dees Croydon and Vanfair. Support was also received from Enterprise Rent-A-Car and NextGear Capital. More than 20 cars were donated to the auctions.
Catherine Stone, Shoreham Vehicle Auctions’ dealership sales manager, who has led the campaign since it began supporting Chestnut Tree House in 2011, said: ‘We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all of our suppliers who donated auction lots and to our incredible buyers who dug deep, showing incredible generosity.
‘It was also amazing to have Olympic champion Sally Gunnell on hand this year to support proceedings.
‘Once again, we are truly humbled by the support we receive, especially on the back of what has undoubtedly been a tough year for the motor industry.’
Caroline Roberts-Quigley, community fundraiser at Chestnut Tree House, said: ‘We are incredibly grateful to Shoreham Vehicle Auctions and the south coast’s motor trade for their continued support and generosity.
‘Surpassing the £150,000 total fundraising barrier since the partnership began in 2011 is simply incredible.
‘We need to raise £6,850 every day to pay for all the specialist care services provided by Chestnut Tree House – both at the hospice and in families’ own homes – so support like this is invaluable. Thank you to everyone involved.’
Sally Gunnell is pictured at the Shoreham Vehicle Auctions charity sale
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