SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: IT'S a dream Christmas gift for any child, and buying it at auction will also help make life easier for people living with cancer.

This quad-bike was donated by Swindon's George White motorcycles and it was auctioned at last week's sporting dinner with speaker Harry Redknapp.

The money rolled in, and eventually it went for £1,000.

But in an amazing show of generosity, the bidder, who wishes to remain anonymous, has given the Suzuki Quad Sport bike back to the appeal.

Now, it is being auctioned again, to raise yet more money.

The bike is designed for children to use on off-road tracks or for scrambling. It has a two-stroke single cylinder engine, and has a top speed of 5mph.

Peter Cleverly, general sales manager at George White, which is based in Manchester Road, said: "I am just flabbergasted that the bike has been given back.

"It is great. It's all for charity, and this means we will raise more money."

Bids can be made via the Evening Advertiser's website.

Just go to www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk and click on the quad bike link. Bids are currently at £99. Bids are being taken until noon on Friday, November 28.

Appeal manager Graziella Campisano urged people to start logging on. She said: "This is a gift that would make any child's Christmas extra special.

"And all the money will go towards improving the way cancer patients are looked after in Swindon.

"I have witnessed so many acts of generosity since the appeal was launched in March, but this is really amazing."

The dinner at Blunsdon House Hotel featuring Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp was a huge success, raising £5,000.

The money helped to push the appeal total across the £200,000 mark, meaning it is now a third of the way towards the target of £600,000.

Money from the appeal will pay for two specialist Macmillan cancer nurses for the Great Western Hospital.

It will also mean the hospital can employ a consultant in palliative care, who will also work at the Prospect Hospice in Wroughton.

tlal@newswilts.co.uk

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