Sheffield man launches autograph hunt to help charity

A Sheffield autograph hunter was inspired by a celebrity friend to start a book of signatures to auction for charity.
Bruce Davis who is collecting celebs' signatures in an autograph book to raffle off in aid of the Shannon Bradshaw Trust charity.Bruce Davis who is collecting celebs' signatures in an autograph book to raffle off in aid of the Shannon Bradshaw Trust charity.
Bruce Davis who is collecting celebs' signatures in an autograph book to raffle off in aid of the Shannon Bradshaw Trust charity.

Bruce Davis, aged 46, from Woodseats, is a regular collector of autographs of the stars.

But he decided to turn his hobby into a fundraising campaign after seeing the efforts of his friend Lisa Appleton, a former Big Brother contestant.

Autograph hunter Bruce Davis, from Woodseats, Sheffield, with Big Brother contestant Lisa Appleton.Autograph hunter Bruce Davis, from Woodseats, Sheffield, with Big Brother contestant Lisa Appleton.
Autograph hunter Bruce Davis, from Woodseats, Sheffield, with Big Brother contestant Lisa Appleton.
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Lisa took part in a sponsored bike ride from Warrington to Liverpool in aid of the Shannon Bradshaw Trust, for which she is a patron.

The charity was set up by Alan and Patti Bradshaw after the death of their daughter from bone marrow condition aplastic anaemia.

Bruce presented her with a good luck card signed by various celebrities – and from that got the idea of a book.

He spoke to the charity and agreed to auction the book at its summer ball in July.

Bruce Davis who is collecting celebs' signatures in an autograph book to raffle off in aid of the Shannon Bradshaw Trust charity.Bruce Davis who is collecting celebs' signatures in an autograph book to raffle off in aid of the Shannon Bradshaw Trust charity.
Bruce Davis who is collecting celebs' signatures in an autograph book to raffle off in aid of the Shannon Bradshaw Trust charity.

Now he just has to find the celebrities to fill the pages.

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Bruce, who works at Maxons sweet factory in Heeley, said: “Lisa’s bike ride inspired me to get involved and to give the charity a signed autograph book.

“I’ve got until July to get it filled up. I’ve just got The Stranglers to sign it, and I met Ralf Little outside the Crucible.”

Bruce spends much of his spare time hunting for autographs.

Bruce Davis who is collecting celebs' signatures in an autograph book to raffle off in aid of the Shannon Bradshaw Trust charity.Bruce Davis who is collecting celebs' signatures in an autograph book to raffle off in aid of the Shannon Bradshaw Trust charity.
Bruce Davis who is collecting celebs' signatures in an autograph book to raffle off in aid of the Shannon Bradshaw Trust charity.

“I basically go round and see who I can meet,” he said. “I enjoy it, so I thought I could do it for charity at the same time.”

Already in the book are celebrities such as Paddy McGuinness, Ainsley Harriott and Greg James.

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“People always seem to be quite happy to sign it,” said Bruce.

Lisa, who is one of several patrons for the charity, said: “Bruce is a lovely person. The lengths he goes to to help charities and other people is amazing.

“The charity works very hard and they are so grateful for everything Bruce is doing.”