Top North East rugby star Jonny Wilkinson is urging the North East to back our campaign to save Seaton Delaval Hall.
We have pledged £6.9 million of the charity’s money to save the Hall, which is being sold by its current owner, but urgently need to raise a further £6.3 million before Christmas.
To help raise funds, Jonny has donated a signed photograph of himself along with a signed copy of his book 'Jonny Wilkinson, How to play rugby my way', which we intend to auction.
Jonny told us he was keen to help, and recognised the importance of the Hall to the North East. He said:
'Seaton Delaval Hall, built in the early 18th century, is one of the most beautiful and important historical houses in the North of England. It is part of our heritage and the incredible architecture designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, together with the fantastic gardens and the inspirational work of James Russell in 1947 make it a piece of history which deserves to be retained and maintained in its current state for everyone to be able to relish and enjoy now and for the unforeseeable future.'
If we are able to raise the funds needed, it would enable us to not only buy the property, but to care for it, as our motto says, for ever for everyone.
Jonny Continued:
'I would urge everyone to take pride in this impressive example of British history and support the National Trust in their campaign to save and protect this truly remarkable treasure.'
We are leaving no stone unturned when it comes to fundraising opportunities. Our specialist teams are applying to grant-making bodies for funding, a national appeal will soon go out to all 3.5 million Trust members, and already, members of the local community are rallying together to organise fundraising events.
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Liz Fisher, National Trust Area Manager said:
'We can’t thank people enough for the support they have shown to the campaign and we hope that it keeps coming. Our appeal is time critical, if we can’t raise the funds by Christmas there is a chance we won’t be able to acquire the Hall.
It is great to see everybody in the region rallying together to save the Hall. The gift from Jonny was very generous and we thank him and all of the members of the community who have come forward to fundraise so far. However, we still have a long way to go.
I want to urge everyone in the North East to help us raise funds to save Seaton Delaval Hall. Are there more celebrities living in the region who could donate or give something to the cause? Are there local businesses who will host a dress down day at work and charge £1 per person? Every donation helps – please help us to save this amazing place.'
How can you help?
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