Corby's Lakelands Hospice says big t-Hank you to Shadow Marvin and guitar man Paul

A signature Fender Stratocaster signed by a UK guitar pioneer has been sold at auction to raise money for the Lakelands Hospice at Home service.

The classic red guitar designed by rock legend Hank Marvin was put up for sale by Corby musician Paul Balmer in memory of his dad Bill.

Going under the hammer for £880, the lot also contained a signed Shadows album and a Haynes stratocaster manual - a book written by Paul featuring a foreword by Hank.

Paul said: "I sold the guitar because I can't run a marathon or take part in a dancing competition.

"My dad Bill died of cancer in a temporary building at a hospice facility on Merseyside and I want to keep Lakelands going."

The two men have been friends ever since they met during a TV show recording in 1979 when Hank's band, The Shadows, appeared on a programme where Paul was working as a sound supervisor.

Paul said: "We were talking and I remember he was called to make-up and passed me his guitar - the replica of which we sold - and he asked me to hold it.

"It was the first Stratocaster ever imported into the UK, by Cliff Richard."

The Hank Marvin Signature Strat was completely refurbished by Paul using his expertise.

Paul said: "I put it back to Hank spec complete with gold fittings. I asked him to sign it backstage at a gig when I saw him last."

Auction house Gardiner Houlgate in Bath waived their fee to support the hospice.

Receiving the proceeds of the sale were Paul Marlow, Lakelands fundraising manager and Tracy Glen, Lakelands nurse manager.

Mr Marlow said: "On behalf of everyone connected with Lakelands I’d like to thank Paul Balmer for being the driving force and inspiration behind this idea and to Hank Marvin for taking the time to become involved in supporting our hospice.

"The monies raised will go towards funding our Hospice at Home service which provides qualified nursing care overnight in a patient's home.

"This service has yet again been invaluable throughout the Covid-19 pandemic providing over 90 nights of care to patients and families suffering life limiting conditions. Without the support of people like Paul and Hank we just wouldn’t be able to provide this award winning level of care. “

In response to seeing the photo of the presentation Hank sent an email to Paul.

He said: “My best wishes to all at the hospice. Hey Dusty, Paul and Paul, you should form a band and call yourselves The DPP.

"By the way the guitars and smiles look great, not so sure about the dancing.”

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