Fundraisers at St Elizabeth Hospice today told of their delight after an auction of donated stamps raised more than �1,800.

IPSWICH: Fundraisers at St Elizabeth Hospice today told of their delight after an auction of donated stamps raised more than �1,800.

Over the years the hospice, based in Foxhall Road, has been given scores of old stamps from supporters and relatives of patients.

But when bosses decided to auction them off to boost funds, they were shocked to discover their true worth.

Ipswich-based auctioneers Lockdales offered to help and held an auction on November 15 which raised a staggering �1,875.

Felicity Green, of St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “We had been donated the stamps and had no idea if they were worth anything so we contacted Lockdales Auctioneers and they kindly did the rest.

“We were amazed when they told us the stamps sold for �1,875.

“That is tremendous and will go a long way to helping fund our services.”

Chris Elmy, of Lockdales Auctioneers, said: “We have been working with the hospice for several years helping them to make the most of old stamps, coins, and medals they receive in donations.

“Some of this material can be of interest to collectors, who will pay a higher price than face value, and it all adds up to provide a welcome contribution towards their work.”

Anyone wishing to donate rare or collectable stamps to St Elizabeth Hospice should call 01473 723600.

Has a loved one benefited from the care of the hospice? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk