Lucky raffle winner to be awarded Suffolk artist’s ‘valuable’ painting by former Ipswich Town chairman

Former Ipswich Town Football Club chairman David Sheepshanks to award Maggi Hambling painting at Samaritans raffle in Christchurch Mansion

A former chairman of Ipswich Town Football Club is set to offer one lucky winner the chance to add a valuable painting by a Suffolk artist to their collection.

Artist Maggi Hambling has donated one of her works, Storm Approaching, to Samaritans of Ipswich and East Suffolk.

As part of its mission to continue offering its services, the charity will host an raffle event at Christchurch Mansion on September 16 – where the painting, worth thousands, will be the grand prize.

The winner will be drawn by former Ipswich Town chairman David Sheepshanks.

Annie Owen, a volunteer at Ipswich and East Suffolk Samaritans, said Ms Hambling, who was born in Sudbury, donated the painting to the team as she believed in its message of helping vulnerable people.

So far, the raffle has raised £9,500, with tickets still on sale.

The painting forms part of the Sudbury artist’s series on the North Sea.

Annie described the work, a 10 by 12 inch oil on canvas painting, as very valuable.

“This generous gesture will help our charity enormously,” Annie said.

“Every pound raised from Samaritans means we can remain in premises answering phones to people who need support.”

The charity is based out of St Helen’s Street and while it owns the building, it needs to raise about £35,000 per year for upkeep.

The charity operates on a national scale, but each branch is independent, having to be self-sufficient.

This meant organisations such as Samaritans have to be creative to raise funds, she said.

Annie urged people to continue to support its callers during these difficult times by purchasing a ticket.

Raffle tickets cost £10 each.

The event runs from 7pm to 9pm.

Free tours of the museum will also be on offer, alongside light refreshments.