Spalding’s three Rotary Clubs are hoping to win the hearts of individuals and businesses with a special auction in aid of a national skin charity.
Members of Spalding, South Holland and Welland Centenary Rotary Clubs are joining forces to organise a charity auction in Pinchbeck to raise money for DEBRA which supports individuals and families affected by the rare skin disease Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB).
The rare genetic condition causes the skin to blister and fall off from even the slightest contact, such as cuddling children and shaking hands with adults.
About 90 members from all three clubs are hosting the event at Spalding Auction in Enterprise Way, Pinchbeck, on March 16 at 10am and people are being encouraged to donate items to be auctioned off.
All proceeds from the event are going to DEBRA for equipment and research to help at least 5,000 people who suffer from EB in the UK.
John Syson, one of the auction organisers, said: “The three Rotary Clubs in Spalding don’t normally do things together, but we feel so strongly about this condition that we’re raising for the charity so it can make a significant difference to the lives of EB sufferers.
“There’s an initiative by our District Governor, Chris Chew, across Rotary District 1070 to raise as much money as possible for people who have this miserable disease and we all believe it’s worth doing.
“We need items to sell at the auction and we also want people to come along to Spalding Auction on March 16 as the event is open to the public.
“Everything we raise is going to DEBRA and none of the money wil be siphoned off into Rotary at all.”
DEBRA helps provide nurses who care for EB patients at hospitals, including Great Ormond Street in London and Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
The charity’s patron is The Countess of Wessex, wife of Prince Edward, who helps in raising awareness nationally of DEBRA’s work.
Mr Chew, who is from Spalding, said: “Every year, the governor tends to have a couple of charities which they support and DEBRA was one that appealed to me.
“There are a lot of specialist nurses and carers who look after EB sufferers and I’m delighted that Rotary Clubs in Spalding are supporting the charity.”
To donate items for the auction, call the Rotary Club in Spalding on 07952 350322 or visit www.spalding.rotaryweb.org and leave a message.