Auction inspired by Tom 'Mouse' Smith raises £45,000 for Children's Heart Unit Fund (CHUF)

Tom 'Mouse' Smith, 15, at the charity auction | Other 3rd Party

A charity auction has raised £45,000 for the Children’s Heart Unit Fund (CHUF).

The event, held by Manheim Washington, was inspired by Tom ‘Mouse’ Smith, 15, who suffers from a serious heart condition.

It featured sporting memorabilia signed by the likes of Kevin Phillips, Mike Tyson and Conor McGregor, and more than 70 cars.

Anthony Baker, general manager at Manheim Washington, said: “We decided to hold this auction to raise funds for CHUF, a charity close to the business’ heart.

Tom entertaining crowds by performing at the auction | Other 3rd Party

“My best friend’s son, Tom ‘Mouse’ Smith, suffers from a rare heart condition (Hypoplastic left heart syndrome); he has undergone major surgery and continues to have ongoing treatment.

“Tom wanted to raise some money for CHUF as they’ve helped him and his family so much.”

Despite ill health, musician Tom showed up to entertain the crowd before the sales kicked off – and even tried his hand at auctioneering.

Many local businesses showed support by providing prizes including: a helicopter experience, a signed Anthony Joshua boxing glove, and Paul Gascoigne’s football boots.

The Manheim Washington charity auction for the CHUF | Other 3rd Party

CHUF's mission is to make life better for children and young people who are born with or who develop heart conditions by providing lifelong support to them and their families.

Senior fundraising manager at CHUF, Charlotte Campbell, said: “The auction was a fantastic afternoon; it was overwhelming to see the sheer number of people who turned up to take part.

The money raised will have a huge impact on babies and children with heart problems and their families. We can’t thank Anthony and the Manheim Washington team enough for their support.”