Two neon artworks by Tracey Emin raised £110,000 at the Lighthouse Gala Auction last night. The first neon entitled ‘Keep me safe’ was snapped up by Kenny Goss for £50,000 and another bespoke neon went for £60,000 after some fierce bidding.  The whole evening raised over £320,000 for the Terrence Higgins Trust.

The auction, sponsored by Barclays, was attended by celebrity supporters including Tracey Emin, Kenny Goss, Jerry Hall, Angus Deayton, Antony Cotton and Isabella Blow.  Now in its eleventh year, it was held at Christie’s and saw a fantastic array of luxury items, bespoke packages and 'money can't buy' experiences snapped up by eager bidders. 

One bidder paid £13,000 to have Tracey Emin and Joan Rivers don their marigolds and clean their house. Another paid £5,500 to go dog walking with Geri Haliwell. A tour around Coronation Street with Antony Cotton raised £5,000 and a shopping spree at Harvey Nichols with Isabella Blow saw the bids reach £8,000.  Original artworks by Mario Testino, Grillo Demo and David Bailey were also snapped up.

Debbie Holmes, Director of Fundraising at Terrence Higgins Trust said “We’re thrilled the auction was such a success.  The atmosphere in the auction room was electric and our supporters really dug deep.  We’d like to thank everyone involved, £320,000 will make a huge difference to our work, supporting people living with, and affected by HIV and AIDS.”

ENDS

For more information please contact the Terrence Higgins Trust Press Office on 020 7812 1625.

Notes to editors

• Images are available from Sally Wright in the THT press office.  Please call 020 7812 1625.

• Photo agencies who attended the event included:
Getty
Alpha Press
Film Magic
Famous
WENN
Hotwire

• Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity, providing services across England, Scotland and Wales. The also charity campaigns and lobbies for greater political and public understanding of the personal, social and medical impact of HIV and AIDS.