People dig deep to help families in crisis

Buy photos » Andrew Grant had people digging deep into the pockets at the Auction of Promises in aid of Worcester CAP. Picture by Paul Swann.

AN AUCTION of promises has helped to raise nearly £6,500 for a free debt counselling service supporting families in financial crisis.

Tea for four people at Westminster with Worcester MP Robin Walker, a three-day holiday in the Cotswolds and a sailing trip on the Solent were just a few of the pledges which went under the hammer in aid of Worcester Christians Against Poverty (CAP).

Auctioneer Andrew Grant had more than 100 guests digging deep into their pockets at St Helen's Church on Saturday (April 28) to help raise funds for the centre's work in supporting those crippled by debt.

Mr Walker's promise was auctioned off for £300 while two Chinese watercolour paintings each fetched £500.

Other promises included three hours of ironing and housework, which raised £70, an Indian cookery lesson for two people, which secured a bid of £110, and two top price tickets to the opening night of Dirty Dancing at the Birmingham Hippodrome, which went for £120.

Ted Duckett, who is managing Worcester CAP with his wife Ginny, said he had been overwhelmed by people's generosity.

"It was a lovely atmosphere and Andrew Grant did a splendid job. There was a real spirit of generosity in the place," he said.

Worcester CAP was launched in January with the support of All Saints Church on Deansway and is part of the wider national charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP).

It helps those in financial crisis through a combination of budgeting advice, creditor liaison and personal support throughout the time it takes them to become debt-free.

For more information call the national freephone number on 0800 3280006 or visit capuk.org/gethelp

Regional news »