A TV auction
Evelyn tells how she enlisted the help of a BBC TV programme to raise money in honour of her mum Harriet
Evelyn’s story
When I applied to take part in the BBC’s Travelling Auctioneers programme, I didn’t think in a million years I’d actually make it on screen.
The idea came when my mum Harriet had to move from her flat into a care home. We had started to notice issues with her memory, and then about five years ago she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Mum has always been such an independent person, so we supported her to live at home for as long as possible. But as mum’s condition progressed, it was no longer safe for her.
So as she moved into a care home, there were a lot of her things she couldn’t take with her and that no one else in the family had space for. I thought we might be able to raise some money for charity, and applied to the Travelling Auctioneers.
I couldn’t believe it when they said yes. It was quite surreal having them camped out in my front garden for a couple of days, and looking all around the house for treasures. We ended up with around 40 different auction lots – a mix of furniture, records and other collectables – and I was delighted to sell it all. After fees, we made just over £1,100 which went to Alzheimer Scotland and another couple of good causes.
Mum is 88 now and she’s thriving in her new care home. It’s great to see her being so well looked after because she has spent her life looking after others. She used to love baking, reading, going to the cinema with her children and grandchildren, and she cared for my dad Derrick for many years as he lived with Parkinson’s disease.
Alzheimer Scotland has been an amazing support for me and mum. I still try to take her to their coffee mornings, and I’ve phoned the dementia advisers and the freephone Helpline over the years for practical information. I don’t think I would’ve found my way through the system and all the paperwork without their guidance. I still attend the carers’ meetings in case I can help anyone else in a similar situation.
I know how much charities like Alzheimer Scotland rely on fundraising, so I hope that my donation can go some way to support the vital work they do.
