Words by Smiley Team
Funds for life-saving research and care are being raised through a secret postcard auction.
#SophiesPostcard is an auction set up in memory of teenage art lover Sophie Maria Taylor, who passed away from cancer in 2017.
It was first organised by a teacher, Miranda Pennington, in memory of Sophie, who was one of her students. Since the first auction in 2018, St Richard’s Catholic College, the school where Sophie attended, has used these auctions to raise over £46,000 for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
The third iteration will begin 30 June 2022 and end on 9 July 2022. Artwork, in the form of postcards, has been donated by professional artists, designers and illustrators as well as other children from St Richard’s Catholic College and the general public. Artists from past auctions have included Dame Jaqueline Wilson, Sir Quentin Blake, and even more.
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Part of the magic of this fundraiser is that no one knows who drew each of the postcards. If you want a postcard by a specific artist you know is contributing, you have to rely on luck!
“We’re thrilled with the number and quality of postcards that have been sent to us this year,” said Miranda. “We are very excited to see what happens in the auction and how much we can raise for the amazing Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.”
Famous faces who have contributed to this summer’s auction include TV presenter Lorraine Kelly, Turner Prize winners Gilbert & George, winner of the BP Portrait Prize Susanne du Toit, Private Eye cartoonist Jonesy and TV presenter Victoria Coren Mitchell.
All postcards start off at £1, and it is only when the bidding is over and the auction has closed that you can find out who drew each postcard.
“The money raised through the auction will make a real difference, helping to fund world-leading research to improve the lives of young cancer patients like Sophie,” said Antonia Dalmahoy, the Managing Director at the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
“It’s always so inspiring to see the original and creative artwork that is up for auction, and so I also want to thank the talented artists who take the time to submit their work, and those who kindly bid on it.”
DONATE: Help raise money for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity by bidding on #SophiesPostcard on Ebay.
GET INVOLVED: The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity has plenty of fundraising events and challenges you can get stuck into, and raise money for a good cause at the same time.
