Sponsorship for London Marathon run boosted by online auction

London Marathon runner Mark Bustin is boosting the funds he’s raising for the Sailors’ Society with an auction online of a one-of-a-kind, specially commissioned portrait of Manchester music legend Ian Brown.

The Sailors’ Society is an international charity that provides a personal lifeline to seafarers throughout the world, providing practical, emotional and spiritual support, financial assistance and family liaison through a global network of Port Chaplains and Seafarers’ Centres. Mark was inspired to raise funds by taking part in his first ever marathon for the Sailors’ Society in memory of his father, who served in the Royal Navy during the war.

As well as garnering support through his friends and family, Mark has been running an online auction of exclusive items to raise funds for the charity. Earlier on in the year, he sold a Manchester United football shirt signed by Nemanja Vidic, and the auction is now hotting up with the specially commissioned portrait of Ian Brown.

Mark said:
“I’d never done any serious running before I started training less than 12 months ago, and I was only aiming to complete a half-marathon to get healthier. Now I’ve managed two halfmarathons and the London Marathon this year will be my first time running the full 26 miles. I’m proud to be raising funds for the Sailors’ Society, which provides such valuable support for seafarers, and I’m grateful for all the support and donations I’ve received. I’m particularly grateful to artist Wendy Mallas, who painted a fantastic portrait of Ian Brown for my online auction.”

Felicity Patterson, Events Fundraiser at the charity added:
“Mark is doing a great job fundraising for his marathon run, and the online auction is a wonderful idea to boost his support. 2010 has been designated the Year of the Seafarer by the International Maritime Organisation and so we’re particularly delighted that he’s showing such commitment to raising funds for seafarers and creating greater awareness of the vital work they do.”

Anyone interested in making a bid can view the painting at:
http://mark-bustin.blogspot.com The auction ends on the 31 March.

The charity has 31 supporters running on their behalf in this year’s marathon. To make a donation to help their cause visit www.justgiving.co.uk/SailorsSociety

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