Rock band KISS donate auction items for Manchester Children’s Hospital

Legendary American rock band, KISS, have donated three of their personal, signed guitars and snare drum to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. 

The items will be up for grabs in an auction at the Red Sea Pedestrians (RSP) 10th Anniversary Charity ball next month to raise funds for the hospital’s Paediatric Intensive Care Unit- which cared for many of the young victims of the Manchester Arena attack.

Following the Manchester Arena attack in May last year, the hospital has received a tremendous amount of support-which has now grown to an international level, with KISS getting in touch to offer their support.

The whole collection of prizes up for grabs at next month’s auction

The guitars are signed by Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and Tommy Thayer and the snare drum with drum sticks is signed by Eric Singer.

Lead vocalist, Paul Stanley’s signed guitar (pictured below) is his signature Ibanez PS120 guitar which he was intending to play at their Manchester Arena gig on Tuesday 30th May- which the band inevitably had to cancel due to the arena attack.

Paul Stanley’s signed guitar

However, the signed instruments aren’t the only prizes available to get your hands on- tickets to any sold out KISS show in the world, plus tickets for a cabin on the sold out Kiss Kruise 2018 with a meet and greet with the band, will also be up for auction.

Paul Stanley said: “We were devastated by the heinous attack in Manchester Arena and had to do something to support the city. Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital’s incredible work with children was never more evident than after this horrific event. We are humbled to be able to give something to support them in their ongoing efforts.

“Knowing that the money raised will go towards purchasing life-support ventilators, our prayers and wishes will continue to help both those affected directly by the attack, and beyond. This night will give everyone an opportunity to do their part in raising as much money as possible for an incredibly worthy cause.”    

Maurice Watkins CBE, Chairman of Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity’s fundraising board, expressed his gratitude towards the band, stating: “We’re delighted that KISS has donated this incredible prize to be auctioned at the RSP Charity Ball and want to thank them for their tremendous generosity.”

Watkins also added that the funds raised from the auction will help to contribute to more effective treatment and care for patients, and allow the hospital team to respond to their crucial needs even faster.

Since 2011, The RSP Charitable committee have raised over £800,000 for Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

Raising funds for the hospital is extremely important, as a total of £740,000 is required to ensure the unit is able provide 26 cutting edge life support machines and to carry out research projects into better understanding children’s illnesses.

More than 100 people, including children, were wounded in the arena terror attack at the Ariana Grande concert; with 75 admitted to eight hospitals across the city, including the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.