A MAN has flogged an antique instrument and donated the proceeds to two local cancer charities.
Robert Harley was at his home in Partick watching BBC TV show Flog It when a familiar looking concertina appeared on screen.
Robert explained: "On the programme the concertina which was a Wheatstone was valued at £500 because of its condition and it sold for £900.
"I remembered that I had a similar one in the loft which had been lying up there for at least 20 years."
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Upon finding the concertina in his possession was also a Wheatstone but was in even better condition, Robert took it to McTears the auctioneers.
The 70-year-old said: "The auctioneers put an estimate of £800 to £1200 and added to their next musical instrument auction where it sold for £1900.
"Once fees etc had been taken off I got £1511.80. I don’t remember anyone in the family playing this instrument so not sure who originally it came from, but I got it from my dad."
Robert decided to donate the unexpected cash to two charities that have supported him through his own cancer journey.
He said: "Maggie’s and Cancer Support Scotland have helped me on my cancer journey and I thought it would be nice if they could benefit from the sale of the concertina which had been lying in the loft gathering dust.
"I was surprised the concertina went for £1900 but happy too that this money was going to charities that provide excellent support to help us through our cancer journeys."
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Unfortunately, Cancer Support Scotland have recently had to close their doors but Maggie’s is still open in Gartnavel not far from the Beatson Cancer Centre and there to support.
Kerry Craig, centre head at Maggie’s Glasgow, said: "Our team were thrilled to hear Robert’s story and grateful for his generosity in donating the proceeds of the auction to Maggie’s.
"We are happy we were able to support him on his cancer journey and would urge anyone seeking cancer support to just come in."
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