'Eddie the Eagle' generously donates skis to The Door Youth Project

DURING the recent national initiative 'Small Charity Week' - which creates awareness of the work of small charities - The Door Youth Project took part in the national celebrity auction. The Stroud based charity had to find a charity donation to create a 'money can't buy' package that could be auctioned on the Small Charity Week eBay site.

Michael Edwards - better known as local Stroud hero, 'Eddie the Eagle' generously donated two of his original jump skis from the 1980s when he was hard at work launching himself into the skies for winter Olympic glory.

The signed neon skis were packaged for the auction with a copy of the biographic film 'Eddie The Eagle' which was released in 2016 to show the trials and tribulations as Eddie stubbornly and determinedly battled his way towards his dream.

There was great interest in the auction and the event was even highlighted on the BBC’s Points West TV news bulletin. Somerset couple Anna Warrington and Kevin Wilkins who are passionate about Eddie's story saw the bulletin just hours before the end of the auction and made their winning bid of £450 just in time!

Anna and Kevin are in the process of renovating their family home and have plans to use the skis the centre piece in one of the rooms. Eddie generously offered to meet the couple at The Door's Stroud Youth Centre where he presented them with their skis.

Anna and Kevin said: "It was an absolute pleasure to Meet Eddie. He is a true Olympian and genuine British icon of the 1980s. His appearance at the 1988 Olympics drew us all to the TVs in our homes to watch him take on an extraordinary event with bravery and humour.

"The fact that he continues to use his fame to help others is a testament to his character.

"They say you should never meet your heroes. That is not the case with Eddie - he was a delight to be with."

Community Fundraiser Anne Townsend says: 'Without the kindness of donors such as Eddie, Anna and Kevin The Door simply could not continue to run all of its vital services for local young people and their families. We feel so indebted to their generosity.'

If you would like to know more about what is going on at The Door - particularly activities to relieve the boredom of the summer holidays, information can be found at thedoor.org.uk/summer, on The Door’s Facebook page or by calling the office 01453 756745.