Sports memorabilia goes under hammer for charity

Jun 18 2009 by Laurie Stocks-Moore, Chester Chronicle

SPORTS mad dads could get a priceless piece of memorabilia this Father’s Day.

Signed shirts from some of the Premier League’s top football stars, golf memorabilia signed by Tiger Woods and a behind-the-scenes visit to Sky Sports studios are up for grabs in a unique charity auction.

The items will go under the hammer at Pryors Hayes Golf Club on Sunday, June 21 to raise money for Stick ‘n’ Step, a charity providing therapy for children with cerebral palsy.

The memorabilia includes shirts signed by Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Wayne Rooney, Sir Bobby Charlton and Tim Cahill.

There is a cap signed by all of the world’s top golf players including Tiger Woods and boxing gloves signed by Ricky Hatton and Sugar Ray Leonard.

Sky Sports football commentator Rob Palmer, whose 14-year-old son Ellis attends sessions at Stick ‘n’ Step, has also arranged VIP visits to Sky Sports shows such as Soccer AM and Soccer Saturday.

He said: “There are some pretty unique items on offer and hopefully a few bargains for real sports fans at Pryors Hayes. I’ve been collecting all season as I’ve visited the football clubs and everyone has been so supportive.

“Every penny raised from the fundraising goes towards the running of the centre and the well-being of the children. My son Ellis has been with Stick ‘n’ Step for six years now and the work the experts do with the children is immense.”

Everyone is welcome to attend the auction at around 7.30pm after a near sell-out golf day at Pryors Hayes Club. Around 160 golfers, including a number of ex-football stars, will be competing at the fourth annual Stick ‘n’ Step event for prizes including a Mitsubishi Shogun for a hole-in-one. Leading local comedian Willie Miller will be providing the entertainment.