With just nine days to go before the BFBS Radio Big Salute auction on Friday 5th October, more than 60 auction items are live today on eBay and via www.bfbs.com/bigsalute
An Olympic torch, a Manchester United shirt signed by Rio Ferdinand, a meet and greet with Status Quo, a short break in Cyprus and tickets to watch the filming of Celebrity Juice – these are just a few of the exclusive items up for grabs.
Fans of sporting memorabilia can also bid on a wide range of lots including a cricket bat signed by Andrew Strauss and the England team from the 2011 npower Test Series. There’s also a football signed by members of Chelsea FC, a signed print of Nasser Hussein and a collection of goodies from Ron Haslam’s Race School.
If you’d rather be participating in a sport, choose from a polo lesson at Ascot Park, a riding lesson with Olympian Lucinda Fredericks, or reach new heights with a tandem skydive. Anyone serious about getting in shape can also bid for a six-month membership with British Military Fitness.
And if you’re after music mementos, the auction includes the unique BFBS Star Guitar – signed by eleven artists and bands – including Oritsé Williams from JLS, Cover Drive and Tony Christie, as well as items from One Direction, Tom Jones, PJ Harvey, The Christians, Nell Bryden and Beverley Knight.
On Friday 5th October, listeners will hear nine hours of live coverage on BFBS Radio from 10am to 7pm UK time as the auction items draw to a close throughout the day.
The money raised from the Big Salute goes direct to five vital forces charities; BLESMA, Combat Stress, Families’ Activity Breaks (FAB), Veterans Aid and Blind Veterans UK.
Nicky Ness, Controller of BFBS Radio said:
“The annual appeal for the Big Salute has become a big fixture in the BFBS diary and a huge amount of work has already gone in to ensuring another successful event. There’s a real focus amongst BFBS staff around the world to support these charities, who do such great work within the forces community.
“We know this money can make a tenable difference to the causes we choose – and we’ll be explaining exactly where the money goes during the broadcasts. We can’t thank our amazing audience enough for the way they get involved in fundraising for the Big Salute and, of course, we’ll also use this opportunity to make some compelling and entertaining radio programmes as well.”
Last year’s UK-based live auction raised more than £11,000, so to help BFBS make the 2012 Big Salute even bigger, view the lots and bid online via the BFBS Big Salute website at www.bfbs.com/bigsalute
