Cambridge based Cheffins Fine Art auctioneers is hosting a timed online auction in aid of the COVID-19 Fast Response Fund. This new fund has been set up by Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) to support Addenbrooke’s Hospital with whatever is needed during the coronavirus emergency crisis.
The timed online auction will include lots from world-famous author Jeffrey Archer; the chance for one lucky bidder and 15 guests to have a champagne reception and dinner with the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of the City of London in the private dining rooms at Mansion House; the opportunity to have supper and a tour of The Pavilion at world-famous cricket ground Lord’s and a private tour of Dalham Hall Stud in Newmarket, home of Sheikh Mohammed’s Darley stallions.
Former Conservative politician, international best-selling author and local Cambridgeshire resident, Jeffrey Archer, is no stranger to auctions, having wielded the gavel himself on more than 1,000 occasions for charity. Jeffrey’s latest novel Nothing Ventured was published in paperback in March this year and went to No. 1 on the Sunday Times bestsellers list.
“I am delighted to be able support Cheffins in this benevolent auction by offering to name a character in my next book after the highest bidder. But remember, only I’ll decide if you’re a goodie or a baddie…! Addenbrookes Charitable Trust is an organisation that is close to my heart as my wife, Dame Mary Archer, is Vice-President. The Covid-19 Rapid Response Fund is critical to saving the lives of potentially thousands of local residents.”
Other lots also included so far; an overnight stay with dinner, breakfast and spa treatments at the Gonville Hotel, Cambridge, followed by a city tour in a vintage Bentley; an afternoon’s racing with hospitality courtesy of Godolphin; one night’s bed and breakfast with three course dinner at The Varsity Hotel in Cambridge; tickets for England v India at Lord’s; and a year’s supply of Corkers Crisps!
Martin Millard, Director at Cheffins Fine Art department, says: “Cheffins wants to do something positive to support our local hospital and NHS staff here in Cambridge. The coronavirus does not discriminate and we want to thank all the doctors, nurses, administrative staff and key workers who are working with this pandemic on a daily basis with such incredible fortitude. ACT has produced a list of items and associated costs of what is required to help fight the coronavirus pandemic (copy attached). Frankly it makes terrifying reading but this is what our local NHS staff are facing right now and the stark reality of the cost of saving lives. We hope this online auction will go some way to raising these much needed funds for our local front-line heroes.
“We would also like to thank everyone who has donated lots for this online auction, we could not have done this without their help, generosity and expediency which has enabled us to pull this together in a very short space of time.”
The auction is now live will be online until this Friday 24th April at 9pm. Winners will be notified of their successful bids on Monday 27th April.
Details are available on Cheffins’ website here>>>
The usual Buyer’s Premium fee of 22.5% plus VAT (27%) will be waived for this online auction as will the standard 3% surcharge that is usually applied to online bids. All proceeds will go directly to the COVID-19 Fast Response Fund.