Hospice clocks on to eBay site

Brian Hurst with the grandfather clock

DR Kershaw’s Hospice is tapping in to a new money-maker — selling collectors’ items on eBay.

It netted a massive £740 for a grandfather clock donated by a volunteer.

The move is a new one by the hospice to ratch up the cash it gets in from donated items.

Previously, everything would have been sold from one of its four charity shops dotted across the borough.

But by using eBay, more valuable or interesting items can be brought to the attention of many more people.

The oak-cased clock from Housing Units of Hollinwood, attracted 31 bids, and stood at £440 before a last-minute bidding frenzy almost doubled its worth.

Appeal manager Brian Hurst was jumping for joy when the bidding closed and said: “It’s absolutely fantastic.”

One prospective bidder from an isolated spot in Russia had to be turned away because he wanted the clock delivering if he was successful, and the logistics were too complicated and costly.

The 30-year-old eight-day Westminster chime timepiece is due to go off to its new owner, but the charity is constantly putting new items up for auction. Brian has appealed for anyone who has an item they no longer want to drop it off at a shop or the hospice, or call for it to be collected if it is too large.

He also wants people to send in old bank notes, particularly any which have been replaced by euros, as there is a ready market among collectors.

People selling items on eBay can also ask for a portion of the proceeds — anything from 10 per cent — to be donated to the hospice.

To find out more, log on to http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/drkershawshospice or contact the hospice appeals office on 0161-624 9984.




Bunny leads walk
A GIANT Easter bunny will be leading a one-and-a-half mile sponsored walk at Oldham’s Alexandra Park for children and adults to raise funds for the hospice.

The event is on April 5, with the walk at 11am, and face painting from 10am. There will be a goody bag for each child, an Easter egg hunt, and a free raffle ticket with each entry. Prams and pushchairs are welcome, and entry costs £5 — each child can take one adult free with them. Contact the appeals office on 0161-624 9984.


CHARITY walkers are sought to boost funds for the hospice.

Preparations are under way for the annual hospice to hospice walk which involves supporters of Dr Kershaw’s and Rochdale’s Springhill Hospice.

Walkers pass each other on the circular route, with each hospice putting on refreshments for walkers at the halfway mark and the finish.

Last year, Oldhamers pulled out all the stops to make the day a huge success, bringing in £10,500.

This year’s event is planned for Sunday, April 11, starting at 10.30am.

Registration for the seven-and-a-half mile walk is £5, and walkers are asked to raise a minimum of £10 in sponsorship.

Calling for people to join in, Brian Hurst said: “We are only able to do what we do with the continued support of local people and businesses.

“Thank-you in anticipation.”

To register, ring the appeals office on 0161-624 9984


THE hospice has joined the social networking frenzy. Supporters can now keep track of hospice events on facebook and twitter, picasa and blogger.

The hospice has already clocked up 1,200 friends from all over the world.