Leeds potter launches international fundraiser - with celebrity support

Lorna Gilbert, 47, of Lorna Gilbert Ceramics, has organised the Great Charity Pot Sale - an online sale of pottery pieces to raise money for charities which have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The project initially started as an idea back in November to raise money for the charity Sunshine and Smiles, Leeds Down Syndrome Network which helps Lorna's son, Josh, 11, who has Down Syndrome.

But thanks to interest from across the world, the sale - which takes place online on January 30 - will now feature the work of over 100 potters from places including San Francisco, Virginia, France, Ireland, Scotland and London, each raising money for a charity of their choice. .

And three presenters from Channel 4's The Great Pottery Throw Down, Kate Malone, Keith Brymer Jones and Sye Pryke were also keen to get involved and have each donated a piece which will be sold via £5 entry into a justgiving page.

Lorna, whose studio is at her home in Oakwood, north Leeds, said: "It started as an inkling of an idea in November as I was planning my next fundraiser for Sunshine and Smiles.

"So I sent a few messages on Instagram to other potters I know they all seemed keen. I decided to message Sue Pryke and Keith Brymer Jones and they said it sounds amazing.

"It's just really grown. So then I contacted Kate Malone and she said it sounds amazing too. She's donated a pineapple."

All the potters can choose their own charities to fundraise for and charities so far include food banks, refugee charities, cancer charities, suicide prevention and more.

Lorna said the level of interest has been very moving.

"I've been feeling quite emotional about it all. I wanted to give a face back to the charities. I know our family wouldn't be in the place we are without the support we have had from Sunshine and Smiles. And other people are raising money for charities which have support them."

She added: "I wanted a little bit of joy. We are in a really tough time and charities are really struggling because their fundraisers aren't happening."

The pots are being promoted on Instagram using the hashtag #thegreatcharitypotsale and via the event page @thegreatcharitypotsale before or on January 30.

Interested buyers are encourage to contact the potter direct to find out more about their personal sale and charity choice.

To enter the draws for the three presenters' pieces, visit https://linktr.ee/thegreatcharitypotsale

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