A HAMPSHIRE charity has taken a massive step towards buying a holiday home abroad for multiple sclerosis sufferers following its biggest annual fundraising golf day.
More than £30,000 was raised from the big event, in aid of the Geoff Smith Charity Fund, which began with a golfing competition involving 30 teams at Botley Park Hotel, Golf and Country Club.
There was a party atmosphere in the evening, when 190 guests enjoyed a sumptuous five-course meal and dug deep into their pockets during a mini race night that raised more than £2,000 in itself.
But the money really started to flow in when a charity auction got under way.
A signed guitar from rock band Oasis was the most expensive item to go under the hammer and Peter Hendley-Hall, a guest who had travelled from Ipswich to compete in the golf tournament, is now the proud owner of the instrument after forking out £6,000.
Mr Hendley-Hall, who works for an American software company, was given an extra surprise during the evening after being offered free tickets, with back- stage passes, to Oasis' next gig.
The guitar was offered by local restaurateur Steve Deards, from the Rib Ranch and Eastleigh firm Awax, who provide security for bands including Oasis and Stereophonics.
Awax managing director Steve Allen said: "I talked to Liam and Noel Gallagher when I heard about the charity through Steve at the Rib Ranch.
"I'm keen to support MS as my mother-in-law suffers with it."
Saints star Jason Dodd spent £1,500 on a oil painting of himself, which was painted by Hampshire artist Alan Richings.
Patrons of the charity Matt Le Tissier, Jason Dodd and Richard Hall were all at the fundraiser along with other stars from the football world including West Ham players Craig Forrest and Steve Lomas and Bristol Rovers manager Ray Graydon.
Matt Le Tissier, who had already raised £2,000 after auctioning one of his shirts on the Internet, said: "We've all had a great day and I'm hoping that the evening entertainment and auction will be a great success and bring in a lot of money."
Geoff Smith, who was delighted with the money raised, said: "It was such a fantastic event.
"People were just so generous and they kept saying what a wonderful day they had and that's what makes it all worthwhile for me."
Geoff added: "A big thank you goes out to everyone who turned out or supported us in many different ways without who we could not have raised this phenomenal amount of money."
The Geoff Smith Charity Fund is now just £15,000 short of its target to purchase the £100,000 holiday home in Alicante.
If you would like to help raise cash, call Geoff on 07786 156 666.
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