Homeless Veterans Appeal: Only hours left to bid for unique gifts and experiences

Cast your lot for on 18 exclusive items or experiences in this amazing opportunity

Just hours remain to bid on unique experiences in aid of the Homeless Veterans appeal, including a safari in Botswana and a private tour around Edinburgh Castle, before the auction closes at 2pm this afternoon.

The appeal, run in partnership with our sister titles, the Evening Standard and i, and London Live TV, is seeking to raise money for two charities: Veterans Aid and ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, both of which work to support former members of Britain’s armed forces who have fallen on hard times. We are asking readers to donate to these worthy organisations directly or by bidding for a range of brilliant offers available in our auction, which is being run in association with eBay.

Among the lots are original pieces of art by contemporary artists the Connor brothers, former soldier Michael Crossan and The Independent’s political cartoonist Dave Brown. A personalised Evening Standard front page – with your story and your picture – is also available.

Also up for grabs are the chance to spend a day shadowing the editor of the Independent on Sunday, Lisa Markwell, and an opportunity to see the Standard’s food critic, Fay Maschler, in action over lunch or dinner.

For those who fancy something a bit further afield, a safari and trip to a diamond mine in Botswana might be of interest. Also on offer are a VIP tour of Edinburgh Castle, a private visit to the old, cobbled set of Coronation Street, and trips to Pinewood studios and the Rolls-Royce factory in Goodwood.

Fashionistas can bid for the chance to attend Burberry’s Menswear Collection show. While chess enthusiasts can try their luck in bidding to take on Grandmaster Jon Speelman.

This first part of the auction must close at 2pm on Monday 8 December. For full details of all eighteen lots on offer – and for Ts&Cs – please visit www.homelessveterans.co.uk/auction.