ONE Direction star Louis Tomlinson has donated his signed Doncaster Rovers shirts to the Ayrshire Hospice grand online auction.

The number 28 shirt, worn by the singer when he made an appearance for his favourite football club, is displayed in a framed, glazed case.

Event organiser Janice McKellar, senior fundraising officer for the hospice, was absolutely delighted.

She said: “I’m sure this signed shirt will be perfect for any one of the 4,000 young ladies who turned out to watch Louis’ debut in the Doncaster v Rotherham match on Wednesday February 27. Or indeed, any one of his hundreds of thousands of Scottish fans!

“It’s a fantastic addition to our auction catalogue and we are very hopeful it will attract a huge amount of interest when the auction goes live on Thursday, May 22”.

Janice added “The initial interest and support shown to our first ever online auction has been really positive, but we do need lots more if we are going to reach our fundraising target.

“It’s easy for individuals, businesses and organisations to get involved. Offer services in kind, gift packages or more unusual one-off items. Whatever your idea, we’d love to hear from you and be able to include you in our auction catalogue!” The auction which will go live on eBay and run for 10 days, is gathering pace. Have a sneak preview of items promised to date: A full wedding package from Savoy Park Hotel.

A 10 night cruise to the Norwegian fjords on Fred Olsen’s Boudicca, courtesy of Stewart Travel.

Two nights dinner, bed and breakfast for two at Auchrannie Resort and Hotel, Isle of Arran.

A day as a keeper at Heads of Ayr Farm Park.

A course in Advanced Driving lessons.

Various pieces of stunning artwork by local well known artists.

Beginners pottery lessons for two people.

The opportunity to learn to drive a tank.

All of the money raised by the online auction will go towards the Ayrshire Hospice Respite and Response Service, supporting carers throughout Ayrshire who look after family or friends with a life-limiting illness.

This service provides respite in emergencies and responds to cases where an increase in the level of care is urgently needed. The service helps care to remain at home, when that is a patient’s wish.

The total cost of the service over the next four years is £1.13million. Big Lottery Funding has been secured for half of that amount, and through the online auction and an exciting calendar of other Silver Anniversary events, the hospice hopes to achieve full funding of the vital service.

Anyone interested in making a donation to the auction or wanting to know more should contact Janice McKellar on 01292 288488 or email: auction@ayrshirehospice.org More updates on auction items, as and when they are donated, will appear in your Herald.