Plane crash survivor winner in charity auction

MEDIA R ELEASE

7 March 2008: Eight months after he nearly died in a plane crash, Nicholas Eagleson bravely looked to a brighter future yesterday - successful bidding with his fiance' Karen Forsyth for the Free Home for Hospice auctioned last night in Orewa by Harcourts.

In a spirited round of bidding, expertly handled by Harcourts' top auctioneer, Mr Eagleson came up trumps - paying $554,000 for the brand new G J Gardner home which was built by volunteer labour on donated land, with all of the proceeds of the sale to go to Hibiscus Coast Hospice.

The brand new three-bedroom home at 126 Grand Drive in Orewa, 30km north of Auckland, was auctioned on-site for the hospice by Harcourts National Auction Manager Phil McGoldrick following a moving waita by celebrity Tina Cross who is currently competing in Dancing with the Stars, with Hospice NZ as her chosen charity.

Yesterday's successful auction marked the end of a two-year project inspired by Ross Morley, the owner of the G J Gardner (Rodney) franchise. With help from more than 50 tradespeople and suppliers he got the house built for free last year, following the earlier donation of the section by local property developers Sir Ross Jansen, Leigh Hopper and Ian Boocock.

Hibiscus Coast Hospice Charitable Trust Chairman Howard Jury says the Free Home for Hospice was one of the most generous donations ever bestowed on Hospice had been a particularly special project because of the great many people who gave their time and expertise at no cost. "Trades people, landscapers, building products suppliers and others all donated time and material. Harcourts Hibiscus Coast, a long-term supporter, has also been heavily involved. It's been a remarkable community effort," he says.

"Knowing that the house is going to be home to such wonderful people makes it doubly special. It is a lucky house and I am sure they Nicholas and Karen are going to be very, very happy there."

Harcourts Orewa Branch Manager Sabine Davison says the whole of Harcourts Hibiscus Coast team, which is a long-time supporter of Hibiscus Coast Hospice, was thrilled with the auction result. "We've put a lot of work into this project and it was great to see such a lively auction last night and to sell the property under the hammer. We're delighted for the hospice, which is such an important part of our community."

Harcourts National Auction Manager Phil McGoldrick, who made a special trip up from Christchurch to call the auction, says he was thrilled to be involved. "This was a genuinely unique fundraising event and it was an absolute honour to be able to offer my services."

The Harcourts campaign included organising significant free advertising from PMP Maxum (publishers of Harcourts Bluebooks), Hibiscus Coast Property Press and The Outlook, organising free signage courtesy of ABC Photosigns, direct marketing to Harcourts extensive database, working and negotiating with current and new buyers, and conducting numerous open homes in the lead up to the successful onsite Harcourts auction - all for free.

Ross Morley of G J Gardner Homes (Rodney) says he was thrilled at the outcome for the many people who worked on the house or provided skills and material.

"It has been a real thrill to have been part of a team of people who helped raise over half-a-million dollars for Hibiscus Coast Hospice. In the end the community was the real winner on the night," says Mr Morley.

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About the Free Home for Hospice: The brick and tile, one-level home at 126 Grand Drive, Orewa features three double bedrooms (each with double wardrobes), a study, a large open lounge/dining room/kitchen area, along with two bathrooms, two toilets and a two-car garage/laundry. Set on a flat to sloping section of 600sqm the home includes all the modern conveniences, good indoor-outdoor flow, north-facing living areas and a lovely patio. The home is located on the corner of Flavell Road and Grand Drive. Flavell Road is new and may not be on some maps. If entering from the northern end of State Highway One, the Free Home for Hospice is one of the first homes on the left and is well signposted. Visit www.harcourts.co.nz ID: OR71203.

About Hibiscus Coast Hospice: The Hibiscus Coast Hospice, established in 1992 by local residents, cares for people with terminal illnesses at no cost to patients and families. In 1993, following a generous donation and other support, an administrative centre was acquired in Orewa and the following year an adjoining property acquired. It relies heavily on donations, grants and bequests because only a quarter of the funding it needs is provided by the Government through the local district health board. For more information please visit www.hchospice.org.nz.

About Harcourts: Harcourts, which was established in Wellington in 1888, is now Australasia's fastest growing real estate group, offering assistance with residential, rural and commercial real estate in addition to property management. It has more than 180 offices in New Zealand and in just over a decade it has already established over 230 offices across Australia. The Group also has offices in Indonesia, Fiji and Singapore. For more information visit www.harcourts.co.nz .

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