A landmark charity auction of one of Scotland’s most extensive private sports memorabilia collections has raised more than £35,000 in support of two charities close to the heart of Paisley businessman and philanthropist, John Horne.
John, Managing Director of JR Scaffold – part of The JR Group with its head office in Sandyford Road, Paisley – decided to mark the company’s 30th anniversary with a powerful gesture, parting with more than 80 treasured items collected over nearly three decades.
Among the most popular lots was a signed and framed Jimmy ‘Jinky’ Johnstone top which fetched over £5,020, while a signed Lionel Messi Barcelona shirt went for £1,300.
The two-week auction, hosted online by Blue Parrot Events Group through their Event PAL fundraising platform, drew bids from across the world. More than 200 offers were placed on the rare items, which included memorabilia signed by Muhammad Ali, Tiger Woods, Diego Maradona, Graeme Souness and Jimmy Johnstone.
All proceeds are being donated to the Emmie Smillie Foundation and MND Scotland – two causes with deeply personal significance to John and his family.
John Horne said: “I’m overwhelmed by the generosity shown throughout the auction. To see the collection I’ve built over the years find new homes while raising such a significant sum for two charities so close to my heart has been truly special.
It was an emotional decision to part with the memorabilia, but this outcome proves it was the right one. Giving back has always been part of our company’s DNA, and this was my way of making that commitment personal as we mark 30 years in business.”
Some of John’s remaining memorabilia has already been donated to an event in aid of the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice, while others will be auctioned at the upcoming ‘December to Remember’ Charity Ball in Glasgow on Saturday 6th December. Hosted by John to mark JR Scaffold’s 30th anniversary, the event will continue to raise money for causes close to his family.
Founded in 1995, The JR Group has grown from a small scaffolding firm in Govan into one of Scotland’s largest building and construction companies, employing around 200 staff and delivering projects across Scotland and the North of England.
Headline photo: John Horne, Managing Director of JR Scaffold