Role in new Jeffrey Archer novel is yours... for not a penny less

If you ever wanted your name used as a character in a Jeffrey Archer novel, you will now have your chance in Cheffins Fine Art Auctioneers online charity auction.

Starting on Friday, April 17, it will raise money for the Covid-19 Fast Response Fund, set up by the Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) to support the hospital during the coronavirus emergency.

Mr Archer, the best-selling author and Grantchester resident, has previously wielded the gavel for more than 1,000 charity auctions. His latest novel, Nothing Ventured, was published in paperback in March.

“I am delighted to support Cheffins in this benevolent auction by offering to name a character in my next book after the highest bidder. But remember, only I’ll decide if you’re a goodie or a baddie,” he said.

“Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust is an organisation that is close to my heart as my wife, Dame Mary Archer, is vice-president. The Covid-19 Rapid Response Fund is critical to saving the lives of potentially thousands of local residents.”

Other eye-catching lots include supper and a tour of the pavilion at Lord’s cricket ground; a private tour of Dalham Hall Stud in Newmarket, home of Sheikh Mohammed’s Darley stallions; a Champagne reception and private dinner with the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of the City of London in the private dining rooms at Mansion House; a tour of King’s College Chapel roof and afternoon tea with the Provost Michael Proctor; an overnight stay with dinner, breakfast and spa treatments at the Gonville Hotel followed by a city tour in a vintage Bentley; an afternoon’s racing with hospitality courtesy of Godolphin; one night’s bed and breakfast with three-course dinner at The Varsity Hotel in Cambridge; tickets for England v India at Lord’s; and a year’s supply of Corkers Crisps.

The auction will go live at 10am on Friday, April 17 and close at 7pm on Friday, April 24. Register and bid online at cheffins.co.uk/fine-art. The usual buyer’s premium fee of 22.5 per cent plus VAT (27 per cent) will be waived along with the three per cent surcharge applied to online bids. All proceeds will go directly to the Covid-19 Fast Response Fund and winners will be notified on April 27.

Martin Millard, director at Cheffins Fine Art department, says: “Cheffins wants to do something positive to support our local hospital and NHS staff in Cambridge. The coronavirus does not discriminate and we want to thank all the doctors, nurses, administrative staff and key workers who are working with this pandemic on a daily basis with such incredible fortitude.

“ACT has produced a list of items and associated costs of what is required to help fight the coronavirus pandemic. We hope this online auction will go some way to raising these much needed funds for our local front-line heroes.

“We would also like to thank everyone who has donated lots for this online auction, we could not have done this without their help, generosity and expediency.”