Julie Goodyear personal auction for local Hospice

Once again Julie Goodyear MBE has stepped in to help Willow Wood, the hospice for Tameside and Glossop, raise much-needed funds to help their local community.

Miss Goodyear became a patron of Willow Wood in June this year, although she has long been a supporter of the Great Manchester hospice. Last year her wonderful donation of jewellery both personal and as worn in her role as the iconic Bet Lynch, raised over £16,000, which went directly to patient care.

Miss Goodyear said: “The amount raised was way beyond my expectations, and I was thrilled to be able to help the Hospice in this way.Willow Wood cares for up to 3,000 patients on their In-patient Unit every year, and offers life-enhancing care to many more with their Day Services.It’s a wonderful charity, and one I’ve been involved with since hearing about it from their founding patron, Roy Barraclough who I worked so closely with on Coronation Street.I was very proud when I was asked to represent the Hospice as a patron as the care they provide to their community is second to none.”

Vice-chair of Trustees, Mark Llewellin took up the conversation: “I’ve been involved with fundraising for Willow Wood from the very early days and, through my involvement with Coronation Street, I’ve counted Miss Goodyear as a close personal friend for many years.We were all delighted with the amount raised from the auction last year, and when she offered to donate 50 more lots for a second sale were over the moon.”

The star item this year is a beautiful ball gown, with a white tulle skirt and black satin bodice, which Miss Goodyear wore to the Coronation Street 50th Anniversary Ball, held at the Hilton Hotel, Manchester.As you would expect, there is a liberal sprinkling of sequins on the gown which comes with a matching wrap and a photo of Miss Goodyear wearing the gown.Other lots in the auction include earrings presented to Miss Goodyear when she and Roy Barraclough switched on the Blackpool illuminations in 1990 and jewellery worn in the iconic ‘Pal’s’ scene with Rita Sullivan (Barbara Knox).

“A number of our day patients had great fun modelling some of the lots, as did a number of our volunteers and staff” said Mark, “and the photos are shown on the Willow Wood website – our thanks to them for taking part.”

Mark continued: “The sale itself will be held on Ebay, starting at 12 noon on Sunday 14 November and will run for 10 days.So, if you’re looking for a Christmas present for a Corrie enthusiast, I can’t think of anything better than a piece of jewellery worn behind the bar at the Rover’s Return.And if you’re a fan of Miss Goodyear then treat yourself and support an amazing charity which helps so many live their best possible life.She would be thrilled to bits if we could top last year’s total! The catalogue is available to peruse now at willowwood.org.uk/JulieGoodyear so go online and make a note of the items you would love to own.”