Macmillan Cancer Support and York Racecourse have launched a silent auction to raise vital funds for Macmillan, they hope to raise thousands as part of their over 50-year charitable partnership in which time over £10 million has been raised for people living with cancer.

The charity’s silent auction is now live and will end at 16:30 on Saturday 11 June to coincide with their annual Macmillan Charity Raceday. This year is the 51st staging of the partnership between Macmillan and York Racecourse, which usually attracts 27,000 spectators and is the oldest running charity raceday in the UK.

Macmillan’s Silent Auction includes over 40 generous and diverse lots donated by supporters including a framed watercolour painting by Dame Judi Dench, limited edition art prints by Jim Moir (AKA Vic Reeves), a private box to see Madness at York Racecourse, the opportunity to meet Alan Carr and a tour of the Hooting Owl gin distillery near Pocklington plus many more.

The money raised from the silent auction will help to fund Macmillan’s continued investment in the cancer workforce across Yorkshire, providing vital care now, as well as building a cancer care system that is fit for the future. Lisa Martin is Macmillan’s Relationship Fundraising Area Manager for Yorkshire, she said:

“Right now, there are 179,000 people currently living with cancer in Yorkshire. Due to the coronavirus pandemic many have had potentially life-saving treatment cancelled or postponed. We want to be there for every person diagnosed with cancer that needs our support.

“Macmillan has an ambitious plan to invest in the cancer workforce across Yorkshire, providing vital care now and in the future. We’re so grateful to everyone that has donated something for our silent auction, and I would encourage people to take a look and help us raise vital funds, there really is something for everyone.”

Recent Macmillan analysis suggests that tens of thousands of people across the UK are missing a cancer diagnosis they would otherwise have received, because of the impact of the pandemic. Macmillan’s Silent Auction is supporting the charity’s ambition to increase investment in the cancer care workforce, meaning every penny raised will go towards supporting Macmillan services and professionals here in Yorkshire and across the North.

Macmillan’s Silent Auction has been an integral part of Macmillan Charity Raceday for many years and has raised over £400,000 for people living with cancer. To view Macmillan’s silent auction and bid on the prizes visit www.macmillanauction.com

To support Macmillan’s Charity Raceday on Saturday 11 June by attending.  Book your tickets at www.yorkracecourse.co.uk.

Anyone in need of cancer support can call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, which is open 7 days a week, 8am-8pm, or visit Macmillan’s Online Community.