Lovenkrands fronts online auctions

Wednesday 25th April 2012

Newcastle United striker Peter Lovenkrands is to launch a series of online auctions with a difference to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society.

The Danish forward, who lost his father, Bent, to the illness two years ago, will be offering items from his Toon teammates via a fundraising page on website JustGiving and his Twitter account.

The top prize is the chance to meet Lovenkrands before the Manchester City home game on May 6 and visit the Newcastle dressing room before the match.

Lovenkrands said: "It's really about raising as much money as possible for a charity that is very close to my heart and it's a good way for people to get involved and get something back for their donation.

"There are some great prizes up for grabs and people have been very kind since I came up with the idea. A lot of our players and also my friends outside Newcastle United have donated items that you just can't buy.

"As a professional footballer, I'm fortunate to be in a position where I can appeal for causes such as this, and I'm hoping lots of people get involved through Twitter and help to make a difference for people with dementia."

Other items up for grabs include midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa's signed boots, Tim Krul's signed goalkeeper gloves, and a signed match-worn number nine shirt from striker Papiss Cisse.

Lovenkrands has set up a page on JustGiving, and asks anyone who donates to include their name to be in with a chance of winning a prize. Different prizes are available for different donation amounts.

Caroline Burden, North East and Cumbria area manager at the Alzheimer's Society, said: "Peter has always been a high impact player on the pitch, and with more than 32,000 people in the North East living with some form of dementia it's fantastic to have him on board to help Alzheimer's Society tackle the dementia challenge."

To track the appeal, visit http://www.justgiving.com/lovenkrands11. Winners will be announced on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/lovenkrands11.

---