Ed Sheeran has donated one of his acoustic guitars for an upcoming charity auction, and experts predict it will sell for much higher than anticipated. The singer has contributed approximately 200 items to the auction, including personal belongings such as trainers, jackets, Ipswich Town shirts, and prized musical instruments.
These donations aim to raise funds for St Elizabeth Hospice in Ipswich, Suffolk. The charity auction will be hosted online by Bishop & Miller Auctioneers in Stowmarket, Suffolk, on September 26 at 7 p.m.
The auction’s centerpiece is a Martin LXM acoustic guitar with custom paintwork, which Sheeran used during a performance at the Air Canada Center in Toronto, Canada. This guitar, gifted by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, features unique artwork to commemorate the show. Initially valued between $261 and $523, auctioneers expect the guitar to far exceed its modest estimate due to the high level of interest.
Alongside the guitar, fans can bid on various personal items, including a boxed Lego set from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and board games like Ipswich Monopoly.
Clare Chater, director of income generation at St Elizabeth Hospice, expressed gratitude for Sheeran’s generosity, saying: “It’s a truly unique opportunity for all Ed Sheeran fans, and we’d like to thank him for his amazing contribution.”
Claire Dorman, whose husband received care from the hospice before passing away at 37, praised the donations as an “incredibly kind gesture.” Reflecting on her connection to Sheeran’s music, Dorman shared: “When James and I first started dating in 2011, we spent many hours listening to Ed’s + album. Our daughter and her friends are now huge fans too, so it’s come full circle. Ed’s donation is vital for the hospice to continue its important work.”
Oliver Miller, managing director of Bishop & Miller Auctioneers, highlighted the excitement surrounding the event: “It’s an honor to host an Ed Sheeran auction for such a worthy cause. Given his global fame, we expect significant international interest in the items. This is a unique chance for fans worldwide to own something from his personal collection.”
The auction will begin at 7 p.m., with viewings available from 4 p.m.
