HOSPICE volunteers have raised enough to fund more than 1,000 hours of nursing care by selling everything from First World War medals to Sindy dolls and designer scarves.

St Cuthbert’s Hospice, in Durham, started selling items through the online auction site eBay in 2013 and has now sold 1,000 items, raising almost £28,000.

Volunteer team leader Lesley Adams said: “I know how precious just one hour of hospice care is so to have raised enough to fund over 1,000 is just astonishing.

“I love my role as an eBay volunteer.

“I have learnt a tremendous amount about a huge variety of things – from WW1 medals to a clock from a Spitfire plane, from Warhammer figures to Hermès scarves, from Sindy dolls to electric wheelchairs.”

“It is exciting to watch the bids coming in as each auction ends bringing in funds for our fantastic charity.”

“Of course, none of this would be possible without our amazing donors, who give their items to the hospice in the knowledge that we will do our utmost to raise as much as we can for the wonderful work St Cuthbert’s does to care for the people of Durham.”

Each year St Cuthbert’s Hospice must raise £1.3 million pounds to continue providing its services free of charge to people with life-limiting illnesses in County Durham.

Marcia Leathard, head of retail operations at St Cuthbert’s said: “Our eBay operation provides us with an online platform to sell a variety of unique items and engage with customers around the world as well as the opportunity to raise the profile of St Cuthbert’s further afield. It is quite a milestone to have reached, selling our 1000th item on eBay and raising £28,000 for the Hospice in 5 years.”

“Thank you to the retail team for their support with this achievement and a special mention to Lesley Adams our retail volunteer who has worked exceptionally hard on this project.”

If you would like to join the volunteer eBay team at St Cuthbert’s please contact the volunteer coordinator at volunteer@stcuthbertshospice.com or call 0191 374 6169.