England and Arsenal star Alessia Russo donates shirt to Heart of Kent Hospice charity auction
Published: 12:59, 18 February 2024
Updated: 13:09, 18 February 2024
Arsenal star and England Lioness Alessia Russo has donated one of her jerseys for a worthy cause.
The Maidstone-born international has submitted the prize, as well as a pair of of her boots, to a charity auction to be held by the Heart of Kent Hospice in Aylesford.
The 24-year-old striker previously donated a signed shirt which she wore in the 10-0 drubbing of Luxembourg in a World Cup qualifier.
It fetched a sizeable fee for one lucky bidder who had to fork out £9,500 to win the lot.
Now the hospice is hoping her latest jersey to be donated – which she wore during last year’s World Cup match against Australia – will gather the same level of interest for the next auction which will take place between March 12 and 14.
Alessia’s mum Carol Russo, who works as a healthcare assistant at the hospice, said: "It's wonderful that Alessia is helping to raise money for the Hospice.
“The support and comfort we provide to the families we care for means so much to them, and they are all incredibly brave. We treat everyone like they are part of our family here at the Hospice.
“I have even convinced my colleagues to watch and support women's football. We are all very proud of Alessia."
Along with the football memorabilia, artwork painted by Kent artists including Ralph Steadman and Charlotte Coe will also be auctioned off and will feature everything from textiles to ceramics, paintings to sculptures.
All the lots will be available to bid for online and go to the highest bidder.
All the money raised will go towards the Hospice. If you would like to know more please contact Christie Monahan at communityfundraising@hokh.co.uk
Chief Executive of Heart of Kent Hospice, Rachel Street said: “We are enormously grateful to all of our new and returning artists that have donated fabulous pieces of art all contributing to a diverse auction collection.
“In 2022 this wonderful event raised over £21,500 for our Hospice and we’d love to exceed this target!”
If you’re interested in securing a piece of Kentish art, simply register your interest in advance and you will receive an exclusive preview of all the auction lots on, before the auction goes live to the public the following evening. You’ll need to be over 18 years of age to register.
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Ben Austin