Ab Fab star's celebrity auction raises over £23k for Marie Curie
Press release published
A star-studded charity auction has raised £23,355 for Marie Curie, the UK's leading end of life charity which is the equivalent to funding approximately 1000 hours of expert nursing care for people living with terminal illness.
The 'Diary of a Wardrobe' auction, inspired by actress, singer and comedian Jane Horrocks, saw nearly 60 items generously donated by some of the UKs most loved celebrities go under the hammer with all proceeds going to Marie Curie.
Many of the auction lots came with special extras ranging from details of their exciting backstories to personal photographs, with many items coming with a handwritten note from the celebrity or VIP donor.
Some of the top sellers included a Chanel jacket worn by Patsy in TV show 'Absolutely Fabulous' and donated by Dame Joanna Lumley which sold for £2,000, a pair of genuine 'So Kate' Louboutin shoes donated by supermodel Kate Moss which sold for £1,500 and a costume from the new Amy Winehouse 'Back to Black' film released in 2024 which sold for £1,800.
Several genuine Downton Abbey costumes were sold too, including the afternoon's top seller, a gold evening dress worn in the show by Lady Edith, which sold for £2,400 and Sir Crawley's suit which fetched £1,300. Together all five Downton costumes raised £6,500 for the charity.
Jane Horrocks says it's amazing to see the total raised through the auction which will directly help Marie Curie be there for those facing the end of life, whatever their illness.
"The auction was so much fun, playing at being an auctioneer myself with the gavel was a blast but the real thrill was seeing all the bids coming through and seeing the total we were raising increase throughout the afternoon.
"I always hoped this auction would raise lots of money for Marie Curie, an amazing charity which is so close to my heart, but seeing the incredible total we've raised and knowing what a difference it will make is phenomenal.
"Congratulations to all the successful bidders on your new pieces, I hope you treasure and enjoy them as much as I know I have with my donated items. And a big thank you to the generous celebrities and VIPs who donated pieces to help make it such a unique and successful event."
Marie Curie provides expert end of life care for people with any illness they are likely to die from and those that care for them, through its free phone line, as well as expert care in its hospices and people's homes.
Elena Jackson, Head of Vintage Fashion and Antique Textiles and auctioneer at Ewbank's Auction House Surrey says that Ewbank's are thrilled with the total raised.
"It's been wonderful to see how many celebrities have supported this auction. I'm not surprised the AbFab and Downton Abbey costumes were popular as both have huge appeal to fans and collectors.
"We're so pleased we've been able to support Marie Curie with this fun and unique auction and help them to raise some vital funds to continue the brilliant work that they do to ensure people at the end of life have the dignity and respect they deserve."