"WALK FOR TRUCE" AUCTION

Michael Bates’ solo  Walk for Truce from Olympia in Greece to Westminster, London has reached the 2000 mile mark in just over 200 days. There is a further 1000 miles and 100 days to go before he arrived in London (estimated 15 February, 2012). The walk so far has been personally funded by Michael with occasional support from family and friends, but as the costs of accommodation have risen sharply especially in Switzerland and taking advantages of the many opportunities which have presented themselves to promote the truce have also added to the budgeted costs. Expenses have increased since Michael’s fall in the Alpes in which he fractured and dislocated his shoulder which has meant that he has been unable to carry his rucksack. Moreover, Michael rightly receives no income at all whilst he is away from Parliament and has no other  source of income or assets. As a result of these increased costs the available funds have been all but been all but exhausted. In response to this rise in costs Michael is holding an auction of his remaining personal possessions in the hope of raising sufficient funds to complete his walk.

The following items are offered for sale:  Lot 1:

Michael’s car—a Saab 1.9TiD. The vehicle was registered in January 2005 and has been owned by Michael since Jauary 2006. The car is a metallic bronze and has cream leather and walnut interior. The car is in good condition and has completed approx 95,000 miles although a new engine was installed after 36,000 miles in 2007. The tax and MOT on the vehicle expired in June, 2011. The car was valued at £2500 for cash in March, 2011 and £4000 as trade in.  The car has a personalised number plate ‘V7 MWB’. The vehicle is available for inspection at Michael’s parents home in Low Fell, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear. Further pictures available on request.

Lot 2: Michael’s antique travel writing desk which Michael has owned since 2001. The travel desk was purchased for £350 and its estimated current value is £500.

Lot 3: Michael’s dress watch purchased in 2008 for £375

Lot 4: Michael’s bike purchased in 2009 for £185

 

The aim of the auction is to raise between £5000 and £7000 to cover the costs of the walk over the next 100 days. Items are available for view at Michael’s parents home in Low Fell, Gateshead. The auction willbe open until Christmas and offers or requests for further information should be directed to:

Alison Hardy alisoneil@hotmail.co.uk  or via telephone or SMS to 07894 513 987

Michael can be contacted on the walk for more information viamichael@waltonbates.com