Murray’s Olympic racket, ball and signed bag raise £27k

Andy Murray’s Olympic tennis racket, ball and signed bag have raised £27,000 at a 
charity auction.

The racket and ball were used by Murray at the London 2012 Games when he won gold by beating Roger Federer in the final.

Singer and actor Jason Donovan entertained guests at the auction in Edinburgh’s Prestonfield House hotel, in aid of The Prince’s Trust Scotland. A total of £265,000 was raised at the annual event, Lunch With An Old Bag.

Other auction items included a private dinner for ten on the Royal Yacht Britannia and a trip to Bordeaux, France, with hotelier and restaurateur James Thomson.

Donovan said: “The Prince’s Trust does fantastic work in helping young people 
overcoming difficult issues to make themselves a success.

“In that regard, I can empathise with some of the challenges they face and I think it’s fantastic there is a charity dedicated to helping them to make a real go of their lives.”

Heather Gray, director of The Prince’s Trust Scotland, said: “The generosity of our prize donors and our guests is exceptional and we are immensely grateful. Lunch With An Old Bag is a key event in our fundraising calendar and has raised a phenomenal amount today and will help many young people to turn their lives around.

“As well as the great fun and superb items on offer, this event also has a serious message which we know is important to the women who come back year after year.”