Washington car auction hopes to raise £40k for charity

And as the countdown begins to Manheim Washington’s charity car auction, a final call has gone out to local businesses, car dealers, buyers and anyone looking to support a great cause, to get involved.

Up for sale will be dozens of bargain cars donated by respectable dealers - with high hopes that the event will help raise up to £40,000 to support the amazing work of the Children’s Heart Unit Fund (CHUF) in Newcastle.

But you don’t have to be a petrolhead or looking for new wheels to join in – there will be lots of amazing tombola prizes up for grabs too.

The charity fundraiser on Wednesday, December 18 at 2 pm, is being supported by local teenage musician Tom ‘Mouse’ Smith, who knows better than most how CHUF can support young people through tough times.

Tom, 15, has a rare heart condition – hypoplastic left heart syndrome - which has required major surgery and ongoing treatment.

It was while chatting to Tom’s dad, Andrew, that Manheim Washington general manager Anthony Baker hit on the ambitious fundraising plans.

He said: “Andrew is my best friend and Tom is incredibly talented. While he’s doing okay now, he still has his day to day struggles.

“I’ve watched what the family has gone through and I know how tough it has been. I decided I’d like to raise money for CHUF because I know how much it helps families like theirs.”

Many well-known businesses have already answered the call to support the event, either offering cars to be auctioned off with proceeds going straight to the charity, or providing raffle prizes.

Anthony added: “Car dealerships have donated cars for us to sell for charity and I can’t thank them enough for their support. I’m hopeful that we can gather around 100 cars to sell on the day – it would be great to hear from other businesses who’d like to get involved.

“Plus, we’ll be raising money through our tombola which has some amazing prizes.”

There’s the chance to win fantastic sports memorabilia, including a signed Anthony Joshua boxing glove, Paul Gascoigne’s football boots, a signed Alan Shearer shirt and an executive box day out a Sunderland FC.

There are lots of other prizes too including weekend breaks and other treats.

The Children’s Heart Unit Fund supports children who receive heart treatment at Freeman Hospital and their families by raising money for equipment, care, research and staff.

The Heart Unit treats over 4000 children a year, many travelling long distances to receive its expert care. However families often spend long periods away from home, unable to work and with additional expenses which can place extra stress on parents at an already difficult time.

To help ensure the charity auction meets its target, Anthony has called for local businesses and individuals to get in touch with tombola prizes and cars to auction.

Meanwhile, just coming along on the day or donating a little to the fundraising page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/manheimwashington-auction will be a huge help.

Anthony added: “I know it’s a really busy time of year, but it’s also a time to give a little – and supporting this charity would be an incredible Christmas gift.”

Manheim Washington has received support from car dealers Arnold Clark, SG Petch and Lookers, plus a generous donation from Santander bank.

Can you help? Pop along on the day to join in the auction and tombola fun, or contact Anthony at Manheim Washington if your business can support a great cause.