A rare tiger sculpture spotted in a bag of donations at Bolton Hospice’s Astley Bridge shop has sold for £2,500 at auction, setting a record for the charity’s online fundraising. Volunteer Catherine recognised the Matt Buckley Edge piece as something special while sorting through bric-a-brac, and her hunch paid off when collectors pushed the bidding to four figures on eBay.
Only 250 of the tiger design were ever made, and Catherine’s experience working between the shop floor and the hospice’s eBay operation told her it was worth a closer look. “It arrived in a big bag of random donations,” she told the hospice. “We sorted through the bric-a-brac and I immediately noticed it was something worth looking into. Volunteering at eBay has given me the skills to recognise the item’s worth out on the shop floor environment.”
Catherine described the find as “mind-blowing,” adding that knowing she had helped generate a sum equivalent to a large cash donation was hugely rewarding. The final sale price makes it the highest-selling item the hospice has ever shifted through its eBay store, eclipsing previous lots that have included an original print by artist Tracey Emin.
The winning bidder left a review saying, “I am glad the money is heading to a fantastic charity. Fab communication and perfect transaction. Even better than I had imagined.” The hospice now hopes the story encourages others to donate collectable items, which can be dropped off at its Tonge Moor Road or Furniture Plus shops.
Bolton Hospice continues to identify valuable donations, often using its online platform to reach specialist buyers. The charity encourages anyone with unwanted goods to consider donating them, as they could help raise funds for the hospice.
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