A walk on part in Little Britain USA raised £9,000 at the Lighthouse Gala Auction last night. Tracey Emin’s neon ‘I promise to love you’ raised £26,000 and Tony Blair’s last party conference speech as Prime Minister made £4,200. In total the evening raised over £200,000 for HIV and sexual health charity, Terrence Higgins Trust. 

The auction, sponsored by Barclays, was attended by high profile supporters including Camilla Dallerup and Ian Waite, Claudia Winkleman, Brian Paddick, Tina Hobley and Gaby Roslin.  Now in its twelfth 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. 

A unique Jimmie Martin chair which features Kylie Minogue’s portrait and signature raised £4,000.  Camilla Dallerup and Ian Waite from Strictly Come Dancing performed on the night and offered a private dance lesson as one of the lots. A shopping trip with Joan Collins went for £3,500.

Debbie Holmes, Director of Fundraising at Terrence Higgins Trust said “We’re delighted 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.  The money raised will make a huge difference to our work, supporting people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

• Further information and images of the lots are available from the Terrence Higgins Trust Press Office
• Lighthouse is part of Terrence Higgins Trust and provides care and support to people living with or affected by HIV or sexual ill-health.
• Barclays runs one of the most comprehensive business-led programmes combating HIV/Aids in Africa, which is home to almost two-thirds of the globe’s HIV infected population. The programme includes free anti-retrovirals for staff and their families, and community based education.
• Drinks were kindly provided by Grey Goose Vodka.