Almost a year ago, after some poor liver test results, I drunkenly agreed to run The London Marathon in order to force a lifestyle change and raise a significant amount of money for a good cause.
As an obese London wine merchant who had not partaken in any form of exercise in over a decade, it has been an uphill challenge. I started back in the summer, unable to run continuously for 1 minute, with 26.2 miles as the end goal on 23rd April 2023 in front of 750,000 spectators. True to form, this was, it seems, not enough of a challenge so I additionally committed to raise £100,000 in the name of the Broad Appeal to support the work of the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
The Broad Appeal, was co-founded by my friend and professional cricketer, Stuart Broad, following the death of his step-mother, from this horrific illness. I will be donating the profits from this auction, in the Broad Appeal’s name to the MND Association, to help fund research into MND.
So to that end, enclosed is an auction that focusses primarily on food and wine with the occasional sprinkling of sport and travel. I have been totally overwhelmed by the generosity of so many wineries, restaurants and friends that have contributed so many "money can't buy" lots for you to bid on, for such a worthy cause.
In a way, I feel this is my magnum opus... the culmination of nearly two decades in the wine industry in auction form. There are tastings, dinners, winery visits, trips and of course, uber rare bottles - most of which are once in a lifetime experiences.
I am proud to present every single lot enclosed, each one personal to me in some way or another. I ask you to bid generously. I promise... I'll never ask again!
If you wish to contribute rather than bid, you can do so on my Just Giving page. Just Giving page here
Lots may be viewed in this link. They are incredible experiences up for bidding, for this vital charitable cause: https://www.jumblebee.co.uk/garethon?fbclid=PAAabscl8nVEmrtPDZ51GORYtDZWgwrZgmq_mQgtjE_mNxnkPJ_EjG7d
Thank you for your support,
Gareth Birchley