Kit man ‘Dukesy’ gives thanks after latest auction proves a success

Our Head of Kit and Equipment, Steve Dukes, has thanked our fanbase and the wider sporting community after a second charity auction in memory of his late father Charlie raised over £41,000.

Charlie tragically lost his life after a cycling accident in May, 2020, and to ensure his dad’s legacy lives on, Steve has now run two high-profile auctions of sporting memorabilia in support of the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, which provided an invaluable service at the time of Charlie’s passing.

Having initially auctioned off a collection of signed shirts from all 92 Football League clubs last year, Steve this time called on his friends and contacts to put together a collection of 80 items from top personalities across the sporting world. In addition to an array of football shirts from stars throughout the game, there were items signed by the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Tyson Fury, WWE superstar and Spurs fan Finn Balor, Conor McGregor, Owen Farrell, Alistair Cook and another Spurs fan, Jonathan Trott.

The auction closed last weekend and raised £41,030. In the aftermath of that figure being confirmed, ‘Dukesy’ has spoken of his gratitude to everyone who supported his project.

“As I’ve said before, I want my dad’s legacy to continue,” said Steve, who started working as a steward at the Club in 1987 and is now preparing for his 18th season heading up the kit team.

“Essex & Herts Air Ambulance is an amazing charity and I am so pleased with the total that this sale achieved. In the past two years I have raised in the region of £80,000 for them and if this money can help save a life or two and give families like mine the after-care they need, I will continue to support them however I can. The Spurs family has been so kind and supportive as always – thank you to you all – and of course I’m extremely grateful to everyone who kindly donated items and placed bids. Hopefully our collective efforts can go a long way to helping what is a very worthy cause.”

Following the auction, anyone who wishes to make a donation, however big or small, can do so via Steve’s JustGiving page.