Thanks to the generosity of local people and Eden Rivers Trust supporters, we have raised a tremendous £27,599 in our first-ever online charity auction!

Over 120 lots were generously donated to the auction by local businesses, clubs and individuals, and one of our youngest supporters did her bit to make the auction a success.

12-year-old Poppy baked a river-themed cake for the prize draw at the live online event held last Saturday night to round off the auction, helping to raise £800 in ticket sales.

Declared “a masterpiece and absolutely delicious too,” by the winner, Poppy explains her inspiration for the cake:

It depicts a wild river scene with a cascading stream and salmon attempting their migration. The battle they’re making is against a flow of white chocolate in a boulder (dark chocolate truffles) strewn torrent. The grassy (green fondant) banks are lined with gravel (chocolate sprinkles) and wildflowers (edible). All this sits on a white chocolate ganache bed.

Whilst not the neatest cake in the world, this reflects our beloved Eden – wild and deliciously rich in wildlife. Let’s keep it this way.

We have been the local champion of Eden’s rivers for the last 25 years; creating and protecting havens for wildlife, ensuring that precious fresh water is clean and safe for everyone and spreading the word about healthy rivers far and wide to thousands of fellow Cumbrians. The money raised from the 25^th Anniversary auction will help us to continue their vital work for years to come.

Elizabeth Radford, Chief Executive Officer, Eden Rivers Trust said:

I am surprised and delighted by the final total raised by our online auction. We knew we had some great lots, but we were not expecting such a generous response from our supporters near and far – thank you to everyone who donated a lot, placed a bid or attended our live virtual event.

 The Eden is such a special place and it’s gratifying to know people after 25 years of ERT, people are still happy to support our work to improve and protect Eden’s rivers.

If you missed out on the bidding, you can still donate to Eden Rivers Trust’s 25^th Appeal at www.edenriverstrust.org.uk/donate