SPORTS stars, politicians and figures from the world of entertainment, among others, are backing a charity auction being organised by Wellington woman Jacki Penny.

Jacki, funeral arranger Wellington Funeralcare in Bulford, is running the auction in aid St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice where her mother died in 2013 at the age of 73.

Jacki has written to about 150 people since the summer requesting items for the auction and now sealed bids are being invited for the lots with the successful bidders being informed before Christmas.

She said: “We have had some amazing things – a lot of the stuff is worth a fortune. A new Ted Baker leather handbag is valued at £300 and Prada perfume from Boots £100.

“The trip to the Royal Ballet – you can’t even buy that – is something it does especially for charities. The signed shirt from tennis player Roger Federer came with a lovely letter all the way from Switzerland.

“I have an amazing photo from Prime Minister Theresa May with a letter dated the day before this year’s General Election – she looks really happy!

“The Good Morning Britain television programme sent a big pile of autographed photographs – and the lady who started Specsavers, Dame Mary Perkins, pledged £200.

“There’s some fantastic things here that would make good Christmas presents.”

All the lots can now be viewed at Wellington Funeralcare.

Anyone who wants to bid on the items listed below should send or hand in their bids in a sealed envelope addressed CELEBRITY ITEMS AUCTION, to the Wellington Weekly News, 26 High Street, Wellington TA21 8RA, or to Wellington Funeralcare, Three Cups Yard, Bulford, Wellington TA21 8DE. DO NOT INCLUDE ANY MONEY.

Bidders should state the lot number, lot description and their bid, and give their name, address and phone number. Anyone bidding for more than one item is asked to write bids on a separate piece of paper for each lot. Bidding will close on Friday, December 15, at 5pm with the winners contacted shortly after.

Jacki added: “All of the lots are being sold without reserve – if the highest bid for an item is £5, someone has a bargain! Every penny raised will go to the hospice.”

In the event of queries contact Jacki Penny on 01823 662363 or email WellFunerals@

psw.coop

AUCTION LOTS

Lot 1 – Signed Nike tennis shirt from Roger Federer.

Lot 2 – Signed Nike headband tie from tennis player Victoria Azarenka.

Lot 3 – Pair of Rio Ferdinand’s football boots, signed.

Lot 4 – VIP seats in the wings of a Royal Ballet performance of the buyer’s choice at Covent Garden with VIP tour back stage. Travelling and accommodation are not included.

Lot 5 – New Ted Baker nude pink and black leather handbag with dust cover.

Lot 6 – Two strong cloth Ted Baker shopping bags and one bright pink faux leather bag with iconic French bulldog lining, and a boxed Ted Baker phone cover to fit iPhone models 7/6/6s

Lot 7 – New, boxed GTech multi hand-held vacuum.

Lot 8 – 100ml Prada perfume, plus Versace black backpack and Boots goodie bag of samples.

Lot 9 – Signed art book from Turner prize winner Grayson Perry.

Lot 10 – Signed photo and BBC news script from Fiona Bruce.

Lot 11 – Pink flamingo light from Party Pieces, owned by the Duchess of Cambridge’s mother, Carole Middleton.

Lot 12 – Signed photos from Theresa May PM and Boris Johnson MP.

Lot 13 – Signed photos from the entire cast of Good Morning Britain, and Neighbours.

Lot 14 – Experience day with the Royal Marines, 40 Commando, based in Taunton.

Lot 15 – Stunning, 137cm tall pink flamingo willow sculpture from Musgrove Willow, grown and sculpted on the Somerset Levels.

Lot 16 – Beautiful autumn hues scarf from novelist Jilly Cooper.

Lot 17 – Birmingham City football shirt signed by former manager Harry Redknapp.

Lot 18 – Two tickets for the National Motorcycle Museum, near Birmingham.