Thanks for the Times piece buchanan17 - I'm not a subscriber, I could only get the photo and the first few lines.
Looking at the photo I wonder if I can ask a favour Rachel?
I do some voluntary fundraising work for a small charity in East London called 'Step Up' (stepupcharity.org.uk). We were mentioned on the recent BBC's Children In Need telethon.
We are always up against it financially (we even have to operate a waiting list for clients needing support due to a lack of resources).
I wonder if I could be allowed to auction off the iconic bowler hat Steve used in the show in Birmingham, with the funds raised going to Step Up? At the very least it could fund more face-to-face counseling which would help reduce the waiting list.
Hope it is OK to ask?

I don't want to put anybody on the spot.
The iconic bowler hat is now being auctioned through this site. Take a look at the top right of any page for more details.
You need to be registered and logged in to bid, and all proceeds will go to Step Up.
Auction closes on 13th December, so hurry up and bid.