Flights to Europe among lots as charity Christmas auction nears

Readers will be able to bid on the first 10 lots from Saturday to help raise money for the vital support the charity provides to the region’s 58,000 dementia sufferers and their families.

They are among a selection of exciting gifts and experiences going under the hammer over the coming weeks, including a number which money cannot ordinarily buy, which have all been kindly donated by Yorkshire businesses.

Among them are a pair of European return flight tickets courtesy of Jet2 and Leeds Bradford Airport, including free parking and access to the airport’s premier lounge.

A pair of VIP meet-and-greet tickets with backstage passes for indie pop band Scouting for Girls’ gig at the O2 Academy in Leeds on November 22 is also up for grabs thanks to the venue.

A family photo shoot with Jude Palmer, who was recently announced as the official behind-the-scenes photographer for the Grand Départ of the Tour de France when it comes to Yorkshire next year could also be yours.

And there will also be the chance to step into the shoes of the Yorkshire Post’s business editor or sports writer for a day.

The auction is being managed again this year by Harrogate-based Cicada Communications.

Managing director Di Burton said: “We’re delighted to be on board again, supporting the Yorkshire Post in its charity fundraising.

“Dementia is a huge issue for us all and we applaud the work of the Alzheimer’s Society in providing such vital services in Yorkshire for people with dementia and their families.

“I’d urge everyone to get behind this year’s auction and provide as much support as they can.”

The money raised will all go to help people in Yorkshire who are affected by the devastating condition, helping to fund local services which could include the charity’s Singing for the Brain choir groups and dementia cafes.

Alzheimer’s Society chief executive Jeremy Hughes said: “We are delighted that the Yorkshire Post has chosen to support our work in its Christmas Appeal 2013.

“The money raised will fund services providing direct help to people living with dementia and their carers in Yorkshire.”

This year’s appeal is being sponsored by Leeds law firm Clarion, which regularly works with the charity’s service users to advise them on the Mental Capacity Act, putting in place lasting power of attorney and other legal issues patients and their families may face.

Managing partner Mark Burns said: “By sponsoring this charity we at Clarion are doing our little bit to reinforce our commitment to the fight against dementia.”

The auction is not the only way you can help. You can also send a donation by cheque, made payable to the Alzheimer’s Society, to: Yorkshire Post Christmas Appeal, Yorkshire Post, No 1 Leeds, 26 Whitehall Road, Leeds, LS12 1BE.

If you are a UK taxpayer, please consider enclosing a Gift Aid form with your donation.

This makes every £1 you give worth an extra 25p at no cost to you by allowing the charity to claim back the basic rate tax on each donation.

Forms can be downloaded and printed from www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/appeal, where there will also be links to the eBay auction from Saturday.

An article in Saturday’s Yorkshire Post listed some incorrect prizes for our online auction. We apologise for the error and any confusion caused.