A rare sculpture worth thousands of pounds was found in a bag of donations handed in to Bolton Hospice’s Astley Bridge Charity Shop.

Bolton Hospice Volunteer, Catherine, who works between the Astley Bridge and ebay teams noticed the metal tiger bust and placed it to one side to research.

Upon further investigation, Bolton Hospice’s ebay team realised it was a sculpture by artist Matt Buckley Edge.

Catherine described the find as “mind-blowing”.

“It arrived in a big bag of random donations.  We sorted through the bric-a-brac and I immediately noticed it was something worth looking into.  Volunteering at ebay has given me the skills to recognise the item’s worth out on the shop floor environment.

 £2500 would be a huge amount to donate, but this has allowed me to help raise that money in another way.

The whole thing has been really exciting.  Volunteering really is a great way to support the hospice”

One of just 250 of the same design, collectors bid thousands of pounds on the ebay auction, the final selling price reaching £2500.

Bolton Hospice’s ebay resells high value items that have been donated into its charity shops.

The Matt Buckley Edge tiger sculpture is the highest selling ebay item the hospice has sold, but they’re no stranger to selling collectable artworks having previously sold an original print by artist Tracy Emin. 

The winning bidder was pleased with his purchase, leaving a heartfelt review: "I am glad the money is heading to a fantastic charity.  Fab communication and perfect transaction.  Even better than I had imagined"

If you’ve got items you want to donate to ebay you can drop them off at Bolton Hospice’s Tonge Moor Road or Furniture Plus shops.