**Star Musicians’ Guitars Set for Charity Auction to Support Aspiring Northern Irish Athletes**
Two iconic guitars belonging to music legends Ed Sheeran and Sir Van Morrison will be up for grabs later this year, with the funds raised used to bolster the dreams of budding sports stars in Northern Ireland. The rare instruments are being made available as part of a charity auction held in conjunction with the annual ‘Sport Inspires’ festive lunch, organised by the Mary Peters Trust.
The Mary Peters Trust, which was founded following Dame Mary Peters’ Olympic gold medal triumph in 1972, continues to make a significant impact by providing grants, mentoring, and support to both disabled and able-bodied young people striving to represent Northern Ireland on international sporting stages. This year’s fundraising auction is adding extra star power by including lot items from the world of art, music, and acting.
Amongst the highly-anticipated lots is a guitar owned and autographed in advance by Belfast-born singer-songwriter Sir Van Morrison, who enjoys a devoted following thanks to his prolific and influential body of work. Equally, a Lowden acoustic guitar, previously in the possession of chart-topper Ed Sheeran, will be offered to the highest bidder. Uniquely, Sheeran’s instrument will feature a personalised message and signature, added for the successful new owner after the auction concludes – a detail expected to attract significant interest among fans and collectors alike.
In addition to these headline music memorabilia, the auction will also showcase works by celebrated Lisburn artist Neil Shawcross, whose vibrant paintings have long been favourites at local charity events. Further broadening the range of lots is an exclusive floral watercolour composition donated by actress Jane Seymour, star of the James Bond film ‘Live and Let Die’ and the widely-admired TV series ‘Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman’. Seymour, now also recognised as a respected artist, has contributed her creative skills to help underpin the fundraising efforts.
Lady Mary Peters expressed her gratitude for the generosity shown by the contributors. Speaking as preparations continue for this year’s special event, she remarked, “We are still at the early stages of planning, so guests can anticipate a few surprises when we gather on Friday, November 21. This is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses, sporting organisations, and individual supporters to come together, celebrating both the beginning of the festive season and their collective commitment to nurturing our sporting talent.”
She went on to acknowledge the specific contributions from those donating auction items: “My thanks go to Ed Sheeran and Van Morrison for their remarkable generosity, and to my friend Neil Shawcross, as well as Jane Seymour, whose artistry is increasingly in demand. Our fellow board member Julie Hastings played a crucial role in securing both the Jane Seymour artwork and the signed Van Morrison guitar, for which the trust is most grateful.”
Proceeds from the event will help talented young sportspeople across Northern Ireland as they prepare for major competitions, looking ahead to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2026 and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The fundraising lunch and auction also pays homage to the trust’s long legacy, supporting athletes for five decades – a significant milestone since its inception in 1975.
Charity auctions such as this underline the vital role of community support and high-profile benefactors in sustaining pathways for new generations of talent. The inclusion of highly sought-after memorabilia not only elevates the profile of the event but also amplifies its fundraising potential.
Members of the public and interested bidders can take part in the auction online or by attending the Mary Peters Trust’s annual lunch, offering opportunities to secure a unique piece of music history while actively investing in the future achievements of Northern Irish sport.
As anticipation builds toward November, the Mary Peters Trust looks set to deliver another unforgettable afternoon, uniting sport, music, and art for a worthy cause that continues to inspire across Northern Ireland and beyond.