For immediate release: 1 March 2012
A Guernsey couple have raised £1,550.00 for Teenage Cancer Trust with their winning bid on a unique item signed by British Formula One racing drivers Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton.
The item - a set of four printed sheets depicting the recently released Formula One stamps - was provided by Guernsey Post Stamps and went up for auction on eBay in February, to raise money for the Guernsey appeal being run by Teenage Cancer Trust.
Mrs Diane Marriott of the parish of Forest, who successfully bid on the item with her husband, Steve, said: - "Our son Shane is a huge fan of Formula One, so I enjoyed bidding on - and winning - this item, the added bonus being able to help the Guernsey Appeal for Teenage Cancer Trust."
The Teenage Cancer Trust launched its Guernsey Appeal in 2011 where it unveiled plans to open a specialist 10-bed unit at Southampton General Hospital, which will cost more than £1 million. The Guernsey branch has already raised £150,000 for the Southampton unit appeal but there is still much more to do to make the unit a reality.
The opening of the unit will mean that for the first time, young cancer patients living in the Channel Islands, Hampshire, Dorset and parts of West Sussex, will be treated with others their own age in an environment suited to their needs.
Dawn Gallienne, head of philatelic at Guernsey Post said: - "I am absolutely delighted that, with Lewis and Jenson's support and the winning bid from Mrs Marriott, the stamp sheets have raised money for what is the only UK and Channel Islands charity dedicated to improving the quality of life and chances of survival for young people with cancer."
Jay Aylmer, chairman of the Guernsey Appeal for Teenage Cancer Trust said: - "Guernsey Post has a strong heritage of producing terrific stamps. To see a local couple secure the winning bid whilst raising money for the local appeal is really wonderful."
-End release-
Press enquiries to:
Sarah Amies, pr consultant, 01484 687040 / 07811 133973
Dawn Gallienne, head of philatelic, 01481 733524
Notes to editors:
Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK and Channel Islands charity dedicated to improving the quality of life and chances of survival for the six young people aged between 13 and 24 diagnosed with cancer every day. We build specialist units within NHS hospitals bringing young people together to be treated by teenage cancer experts in a place designed just for them. We want every young person with cancer to have access to this specialist support, no matter where they live.
Traditionally treated alongside children or elderly patients at the end of their lives, young people can feel extremely isolated during treatment, some never meeting another young person with cancer. Being treated alongside others their own age can make a huge difference to their whole experience.
Teenage Cancer Trust also educates young people and health professionals about cancer to ensure a swift diagnosis and referral to specialist support. Cancer in young people is rare but we want young people to know the common signs and symptoms so they can seek medical advice if they are worried.
We rely solely on donations to fund our vital work. You can help transform the lives of young people with cancer. Visit www.teenagecancertrust.org to find out how.
www.guernseystamps.com