Celebrities offer jewels for cancer fundraiser

IRELAND’s well-heeled and famous are giving some of their precious belongings to help raise money for cancer research.

The sparkling array of items to be auctioned in Dublin tonight to raise money for Cancer Clinical Research even includes a pair of cufflinks from Bertie Ahern.

Other donations include a silver and amber pendant and earrings from former Miss Ireland, Rosanna Davison, and a bracelet with Chinese dragons from Boyzone singer, Ronan Keating.

Lisa Duffy, wife of Boyzone’s Keith Duffy, has donated a designer crucifix necklace and earrings. There is even a Picasso lithograph being auctioned at the Westbury Hotel.

Jewels for Cures was launched last September by television current affairs broadcaster and chat show host Miriam O’Callaghan whose sister, Anne, died of cancer at the age of 32. All proceeds from the auction go directly to the Cancer Clinical Research Trust at St Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin, an initiative of consultant oncologist Prof John Crown.

Donations include some extraordinary rare and beautiful items, including diamond and platinum dress, engagement and wedding rings.

A number of pieces will be sold on the website www.jewelsforcures.ie. Damaged gold jewellery, including single cufflinks, will be smelted and sold.

Jewels for Cures was established by Alison McCormick, who spent a year in St Vincent’s day care centre where she was successfully treated for cancer. While in hospital she saw the huge difference Prof Crown and his team made to prolonging lives with their particular individualised approach to each patient.