AN art auction hosted by Cornish healthcare charity Cornwall Hospice Care has raised a staggering £30,415 to fund its front-line services.

The online event featured more than 200 lots, all donated by generous artists and sculptures. Among the contributors were local artists Rebecca Davies from Stratton and Katie Childs from Port Isaac.

Following the auction a lady called Rachel Larkin expressed her delighted at winning Lot 92 ‘Find the Light’ by Rebecca. Rachel said: “There was much excitement in the household on Sunday evening as the auction came to an end as the bidding was so brisk for this lovely picture.”

Rachel is from Cornwall, but now lives near Brighton and wanted the lot as it reminds her of her late father Ray and her brothers whose lives have all revolved around fishing. She said it gave her a piece of home.

Other artworks included a stunning painting of St Michael’s Mount by Ken Howard and a bust of Captain Sir Tom Moore created by west Cornwall artist Penny Lally. The bust was successfully bid for by St Austell businessman Steve Best, managing director of Nuco Training Ltd, who said: “First and foremost I am so pleased to have been able to support Cornwall Hospice Care beyond the normal lottery which I regularly contribute to. The past 12 months have been particularly challenging for charities, and this auction was such a great idea as a fundraising event. I was immediately drawn to the bust of Captain Sir Tom Moore by local artist Penny Lally. The sculpture is such a poignant piece of work of a gentleman who inspired not only a nation, but most of the world as well.

“I cannot tell you how excited I am to have ownership of this incredible work and I thank Penny for making such a wonderful contribution to such a great cause. He will sit very proudly amongst other pieces of art I have at home, and a reminder for me and all who see him, of what an incredible man he was and how great the NHS are, along with everyone else who nursed and cared for so many during this unprecedented worldwide event.

“The auction also showcased so many local artists and a reminder for me, and many others I’m sure, on just how great this county is for breeding talent!”

Julie Treneer, event organiser, says the team have been blown away by the success of the auction: “We were overwhelmed by the generosity of the artists who supported the event with their donated works, now we’re staggered by the kindness of those who bid for the items. It was amazing to watch the total shoot up in the final hours, a very exciting climax to our first online art auction. The great news is that everyone who was involved, artists and bidders, have helped raise a huge amount of money to help fund our support for terminally ill patients at Mount Edgcumbe and St Julia’s hospices.”