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Money raised at the May Ball will take the charity a step closer to reaching the £200,000 target desired in order to undertake trials of a vaccine which aims to keep lymphoma sufferers in remission after initial treatment.
Other auction items to boost the fundraising include a France shirt worn and signed by Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira, a Thierry Henry Arsenal shirt, again worn and signed by the player and a pair of David Seaman's gloves as well as pair of boxing gloves signed by Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson, holiday to Cyprus, golfing holiday in Spain, Louis Vuitton Luggage and Cartier jewellery.
Ashley Cole said: “I recently bought a new car and knowing first hand the good work the Club's community department undertakes, I decided to donate my old car to the Arsenal Charitable Trust which distributes money to worthwhile causes and charities. When it was proposed that the car should be auctioned for The Marc Fisher Trust I immediately agreed. David Rocastle was my boyhood hero and for him to tragically lose his battle against Non Hodgkins Lymphona was a terrible shock. I just hope that the money raised from the items donated will go a long way towards funding the production of a vaccine.”
Head of Arsenal's Community Department, Alan Sefton said: “The Arsenal Charitable Trust has distributed more than a £1million over the past decade but this particular charity touches everybody's hearts at the Club. David Rocastle was a warm, kind hearted man and a phenomenal footballer. We are honoured to be involved with The Marc Fisher Trust and hope that Ashley Cole's generous contribution boosts efforts to secure the £200,000 needed to help trial a preventative vaccine.”
Carol Fisher, Trustee of The Marc Fisher Trust and mother of Marc said: “We are touched by Arsenal's continued support of The Marc Fisher Trust and are overwhelmed by Ashley Cole's donation in particular. ”
Bids for Ashley Cole's car can be placed immediately by calling 020 8906 4293 or 020 8959 5867. An offer of £20,000 has started the bidding. The car will go to the highest bidder and will be announced in conjunction with the other lots on the evening of May 10th. All other items will be auctioned at the Marc Fisher Trust May Ball on May 10th. Tickets for this black tie event are priced at £80, please call 020 8906 4293 between 10am-6pm Monday to Friday and 10am-4pm at the weekend or visit the website at www.marcfishertrust.org.uk
Of course, if you can't afford to buy Ash's TT, you can always help without spending a fortune by donating your spare PC resources - see our Rocastle Remembered page for more details!