auction in memory of anthony lombardi at beacon hotel

SOME of Britain's top sporting stars have donated some knockout prizes for a charity auction in memory of Scunthorpe soldier Anthony Lombardi.

The sale, in aid of Help For Heroes, will be hosted on Saturday, October 10, at 8pm at the town's Beacon Hotel, where Craftsman Lombardi was a player with the Sunday football X1.

Brother Stephen Causebrook and mother Helen Lombardi with the signed photograph of Liverpool FC's Steven Gerrard to be auctioned off at a charity auction to raise money for Help For Heroes in memory of Scunthorpe soldier Anthony
Stephen Causebrook with the signed gloves donated by Frank Bruno and Amir Khan

Landlord Kevin Kilmore said: "We have had a terrific response so far and there is still a week to go."

Among the stars who have contributed items are boxer Amir Khan, former heavyweight champion Frank Bruno, jockeys Richard Hills and Ryan Moore and England and Liverpool footballer Steve Gerrard.

Kevin said among the other lots were a Renault team shirt from Formula One racing and a round of golf for two at Forest Pines, Broughton.

He said: "We also have signed soccer memorabilia from Arsenal, Liverpool, Leeds, Scunthorpe and Grimsby."

Commission bids have been invited for the lots and all the proceeds will be donated to the Help For Heroes Appeal.

Kevin, a former Scunthorpe and Grimsby Town professional footballer, said it was hoped the sale would realise £1,000.

"The Scunthorpe firm of Bibby Distribution has offered to match our takings on the night and we are hoping other local businesses will follow their lead for a great cause."

Paul Pembleton, a friend of the heroic soldier, said: "We need a singer or an entertainer to come along and do a gig for us during the interval and at the end of the auction.

"So if anyone can help out with that, we would like them to get in touch."

Regulars at the Beacon in Burringham Road have also raised more than £700 to date, to be placed in a trust for Harvey Lombardi, the son of the soldier they all knew as "Tinny".

Craftsman Lombardi, a mechanic with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, died aged 21, on August 4 when a bomb blew up the vehicle he was driving in the South Helmand province of Afghanistan.

A funeral service with full military honours was held in the town last month, when about 2,000 people lined the streets.

If you can help the Beacon charity auction, call Kevin on (01724) 844139.

If you would like to reserve a bid on any of the items up for auction call Paul Pembleton on 07922 861428, Paul Scott on 07821 592448 or The Beacon on 01724 844139.

For the full story, buy today's Scunthorpe Telegraph.