An Ayrshire artist, auction house and charity have come together to raise vital funds for those dealing with cancer diagnoses, in spite of cancelled fundraising activities.

Joining up with Wilsons Auctions in conjunction with their ‘A Bid For Kindness’ initiative, a series of live virtual auctions are scheduled to be broadcasted in real time to support charities across the UK.

Ayrshire artist Craig Campbell has put forward an original oil and acrylic portrait of the heroic Captain – now Colonel Tom Moore – on his 100th birthday.

All proceeds raised from the sale of this piece at 7pm on Friday, May 1 will benefit Ayrshire Cancer Support.

Speaking about their endeavour to support as many charities across the UK and Ireland as possible, Gareth Wilson, Director and Auctioneer, said: “We as a company just wanted to try and support people in need through this terrible time.

“We are delighted with the support that has been offered and donations being given and we hope people will give ‘A Bid For Kindness’ and buy one or more of these exciting lots.”

Reacting on their involvement in the first ‘A Bid For Kindness auction', Laura Brown, Head of Income at Ayrshire Cancer Support, said: “This is a fantastic initiative by Wilsons Auctions. The COVID-19 pandemic has meant that small charities who have previously relied on events and gala balls to generate funds have seen their income all but wiped out overnight.

“Craig Campbell has supported our work previously by entering paintings to our charity auctions at our events - and we are delighted he has continued to support us.”

The diverse range to hit the virtual auction block includes signed sporting memorabilia from the worlds of football, boxing, golf and rugby as well as food and wine experiences, opportunities to receive virtual greetings from key sporting personalities and celebrities, and custom pieces of artwork.

British and Irish charities benefitting from this unique charity auction include Ayrshire Cancer Support, The NHS Foundation, Ayrshire Hospice, NSPCC, Marie Curie, Mencap Northern Ireland, Cancer Fund for Children, Northern Ireland Hospice, Mary Peters Trust, Marie Keating Foundation and The Irish Guards Benevolent Fund, among others.

The Bid For Kindness auction has already received considerable celebrity buzz across the UK and Ireland.

Potential bidders and families wanting to witness the live bidding action are encouraged to visit the Wilsons Auctions website to browse the full listings of the inaugural Bid For Kindness auction. 

Members of the public and potential donors are also encouraged to put forward their own contributions to benefit their charities of choice for future sales.

Please email abidforkindness@wilsonsauctions.com.

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