Take corners like Beckham: Star’s old car under the hammer as he backs appeal for sick children

'Inspiring': David Beckham praised the bravery of young patients at GOSH
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Anna Davis @_annadavis1 December 2015

David Beckham today backed the Standard’s Christmas Appeal as his old car went on sale to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The football star, who has met some of the brave young children treated at the hospital, threw his weight behind the Give To GOSH appeal and called on readers to donate.

He spoke as the Standard launched the first of three auctions to raise money for GOSH. Other lots include a hotel stay in Mauritius, an Aston Martin driving course and Premier League football experiences.

Fans of the former England and Manchester United star will get a chance to drive it like Beckham by bidding for his old VW Golf.

Beckham said: “I’m so pleased to be part of this amazing appeal to help children at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

"Victoria and I have seen the incredible work of the hospital and I’ve met its brave young patients. I find their courage truly inspiring.

“By supporting the Give To GOSH appeal you will help make a difference to these special patients and their families.”

Beckham went on to buy a fleet of supercars as his career progressed, but back in the Nineties the turquoise VW hatchback was his pride and joy.

Beckham's old car
Supplied

The winning bidder will get an insight into the teenager who became one of the most famous footballers on the planet.

Where will your money go?

  • Supporting the creation of a new specialist unit helping children with heart failure to stay well while they wait for a heart transplant.
  • Funding research programmes, which aim to find new cures and treatments for children with rare diseases.
  • Funding the patient and family support programme at the hospital, including a dedicated play team which designs activities for children to aid their treatment, recovery and understanding of their illness. It also funds a wide range of other support, all helping to make life as “normal” as possible for families while children are in hospital, often for weeks or months at a time.
  • Funding the Louis Dundas Centre for Children’s Palliative Care, for patients who have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

He bought the VW in 1994 when he was just 19 years old. He was playing for Manchester United at the time and had yet to meet his wife Victoria.

He purchased it from Ian Skelly car dealers in Manchester, and the winning bidder will get a list of previous owners from the DVLA, as well as the VW customer care report from August 1994, which both have Beckham’s name on.

The star has himself signed a picture of the vehicle to confirm the fact that he owned it. Bidding in the online auction — at givergy.com/charity/gosh — opened today and will close at 9pm on Tuesday December 8. Beckham’s endorsement of Give To GOSH comes after actor Johnny Depp pledged his support to the appeal.

A giant teddy signed by Depp and Benedict Cumberbatch is also up for grabs in the auction.

Chancellor George Osborne announced in his Autumn Statement that every pound given by readers and corporate backers will be matched by an equal gift from the Treasury.

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