Evi Frank, Jenny McDonald, Debra Glastonbury and Maureen Browne are part of a group of 7 supporters of UCL Hospitals Charitable Foundation who embarked on an incredible 340km charity bike ride through Kerala, India, to raise money for the Lungs for Living Research Centre.  As part of their fundraising efforts they organised a Charity Auction and Curry Night which was attended by over 70 people.  The evening consisted of a raffle and two auctions; one traditional auction and one 'human' auction for which senior UCLH staff donated themselves and their time to the highest bidder.  Guests were treated to a curry buffet in keeping with the Indian theme of the cycle challenge.

The auction was very successful and included lots which had been generously donated, such as a luxury Amsterdam break at the five star Conservatorium Hotel, an Apple Ipad and a signed Ronnie Wood limited edition print. The Human Auction was also well supported and senior UCLH staff volunteered to have some of their time auctioned off to work in other departments and areas around the hospital. Norman Patel, who has had a shop at UCLH for 29 years, paid £200 for Sir Robert Naylor, Chief Executive of UCLH, to work at his shop.  Norman said 'It's brilliant.  In all my 29 years of service, today I am the proudest man.  When we opened at the new University College Hospital, Sir Robert wished me luck.  Today he touched my heart - he offered to clean the floor and serve behind the counter'.

Just under £8,000 was raised on the night. Maureen Browne said; "We are really pleased that the auction was so well supported by our colleagues, and has raised so much money. This will really help the Lungs for Living fund and in turn will spur us on to achieve those extra miles in India".

Pictured above from left to right, Kerala cyclists: Evi Frank, Jenny McDonald, Maureen Brown and Debra Glastonbury modelling cycling tops which were part of the auction.

The ladies also organised a Comedy Evening on 24th October which raised over £400.