‘Auction of Hope’ raises over £90,000 for two local charities

A GRAND total of £92,450 has been raised as a result of a massive online charity auction overseen by a well-known Tyrone businessman.

Richard Beattie, of Beattie Livestock Sales, described the ‘Auction of Hope’ as the biggest-ever charity auction he had worked on.

Farmers, families and businesses all participated in the event, with many donating items, bidding on the night or sending donations.

More than 150 highly sought-after lots were secured.

All the money raised as a result of the auction is being divided equally between the Air Ambulance for Northern Ireland and the Cancer Fund for Children.

Each of the two charities will receive over £46,000 each. Libby Clarke, from the Air Ambulance NI Agribusiness group, said that they had never expected to raise the amount in their “wildest dreams”.

“The ‘Auction of Hope’ caught the genuine interest of farmers, families and businesses right across the country,” she said.

“There has been an overwhelming sense of community spirit as momentum for the ‘Auction of Hope’ gathered, and there were literally thousands who tuned in on the night via Marteye and social media.

“Absolutely every penny of money raised has been divided equally.

“The Air Ambulance NI Agribusiness Group are committed to keeping this essential service available to the local community and plan to continue to introduce fundraising initiatives in the days to come.”

The group has extended its special thanks to auctioneer, Mr Beattie, and his wife Selina, who worked tirelessly behind the scene in the run-up to the event and subsequently.

They have also expressed their thanks to the team at Marteye for their support with the auction.