FORMER Somerset County Cricket Club chairman Andy Nash has used his contacts in the cricketing world for a one-off eBay auction in aid of Children's Hospice South West.

More than 20 items such as tickets to sold-out Test matches, 'money-can't-buy' sporting experiences and unique memorabilia go under the hammer from Monday (April 15) until the following Monday.

Mr Nash is running the Virgin Money London Marathon in Sunday, April 28, and the cash raised in the auction will go towards his £26,000 race target for the hospice.

Among lots up for grabs is the signed cricket shirt worn by England's Jos Buttler during his knock of 150 off 70 balls against the West Indies in February.

There is a hospitality match-day package for September’s fifth Ashes Test at the Oval, as well as a VIP experience for two at the England v Ireland Test at Lord's that includes an overnight stay at MCC chief executive Guy Lavender’s house.

You could also pick up an hour’s batting masterclass at Somerset's indoor school, a tennis session with an LTA coach, a rugby ball signed by Exeter Chiefs’ squad; a British Lions shirt signed by Jeremy Guscot; or a week’s stay in a luxury Spanish villa.

And Somerset fans are expected to bid big for an executive box for 20 in the side’s first game under the new floodlights on April 26.

Mr Nash, 61 from Cheddon Fitzpaine, will be talking about his fundraising efforts for CHSW at the Royal London One-Day Cup game against Essex, which is being screened live on Sky Sports.

He said: "Training from scratch for a marathon has been a character building experience as previously I’d only run occasionally to make the pub before closing.

"The support and generosity from my family, sports clubs, friends and colleagues has been amazing and I’m immensely grateful to each and every one of them.

"I’m looking forward to the race with some trepidation, but I’m told the carnival type atmosphere helps you along – I certainly hope so.

"I’ve also immensely enjoyed working with the hospices’ dedicated staff and volunteers and I’m determined to repay their faith in me by delivering for CHSW on the day."

CHSW fundraising manager Emma Perry said: "Andy has done an incredible job organising this auction alongside his busy marathon training schedule and remarkable fundraising efforts.

"His auction will not only offer people the chance to bid for some superb experiences, it will help families of children with life-limiting conditions make many precious memories of their own."

To view the lots and start bidding from Monday, visit the Andy Nash page on ebaystores.co.uk/Childrens-Hospice-South-West-Shop or go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/andynashrpfhm201810587