Coronation Street star Julie Goodyear MBE has stepped in to help Willow Wood Hospice to raise much-needed funds to help their local community.

She donated personal items last year which raised a phenomenal sum for the hospice and is now donating more items.

Miss Goodyear became a patron of Willow Wood in June this year, although she has long been a supporter of the hospice.

Last year her wonderful donation of jewellery, both personal and as worn in her role as the iconic Bet Lynch, raised more than £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 added: “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 we 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 ‘Pals’ 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 noon on Sunday, November 14, 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.

“If you’re a fan of Miss Goodyear then treat yourself and support an amazing charity.

“She would be thrilled to bits if we could top last year’s total! The catalogue is available to peruse now at www.willowwood.info/JulieGoodyear so go online and make a note of the items you would love to own.”

You can access Willow Wood's auction page here.

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