Retro signed Pelé shirt attracts attention on our eBay site

Time is running out to place bids on a truly unique piece of football history currently for sale on the St Luke’s eBay site.

The rare and remarkable item – an authentically signed 1997-98 Brazil Nike Home shirt signed by international footballer, Pelé, was generously donated by St Luke’s patients, Valda and Trevor Waterfield, who were the first couple to stay together on our In Patient Centre in the hospice's history.

Having both died peacefully under St Luke’s care, their family have chosen to continue their support in appreciation for the compassion they received.

Trevor was gifted the special signed Pelé shirt by friend, Lord David Blunkett, which was originally given to him at Stamford Bridge when launching “Playing for Success” in 1997, shortly after Labour won the general election.

"Playing for Success" (PfS) was a major national educational initiative established in 1997 by the UK Department for Education and Skills (DfES) in partnership with the FA Premier League and local education authorities.

The shirt comes with a letter signed by Lord Blunkett to confirm the authenticity of the shirt, and share the extraordinary story behind it. An excerpt of the letter reads:

“This shirt was signed and given to me at Stamford Bridge when launching "Playing for Success" in 1997 shortly after Labour won the general election. Tony Blair led the launch, who at the time was at Hillsborough, whilst I was at the Chelsea ground on the other end of 24-hour news. Fortuitously, Pelé was there on the day and was kind enough to gift the shirt.”

“Subsequently, I gave it to Trevor (who, with his wife, Valda, benefited from the love and care of St Luke's Hospice) and who, whilst receiving end of life care, donated it to raise funds for the hospice and to help others to have the dignity and support which he and his wife experienced.”

Commenting on the exciting donation, is St Luke’s E-commerce Manager, Shaun Beeden:

“Donations like this are so exciting, and every penny raised through our retail chain helps us continue caring for local people and families across Sheffield,” he said.

“If you know any football fans who might be interested in this rare item, please share far and wide to help us reach as many people as possible!”

The auction is open until 7pm this Sunday, 19 April and many more bids are expected to come in before then.

To take a look or make a bid, visit: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/327094080703