LONDON.- Turner prize nominees Jeremy Deller and Antony Gormley are just two of the artists and designers who have donated works to the first-ever art auction in aid of the Geoff Thomas Foundation, with the aim of raising funds to make life-changing drug therapies available to sufferers of blood cancers.

Taking place at the Institute of Directors on Thursday, 4th, March, the main auction will be led by Sotheby’s auctioneer Harry Dalmeny and will feature more than 20 pieces of sculpture, photography and paintings, by known and emerging artists, with estimates ranging from £100 to £8,000.

Works to be snapped up include "Open" by Antony Gormley, "Memphis" by Jeremy Deller, "Katie Come True" by contemporary pop artist Stuart Semple, "Roses" by Jasper Joffe, "Helicopter", by George Young, winner the John Jones Art on Paper Award at Zoo Art 2009, Donna Wilson’s knitted creatures, Bunny Blue and Kate, and Pink Mushroom, a limited edition hand silk-screened print from designer Concetta Gallo’s forthcoming collection, Surreal.

All proceeds raised on the evening will be donated to the Geoff Thomas Foundation. The Foundation was set up by former England Footballer Geoff Thomas. Geoff was given just months to live after being diagnosed with leukaemia in 2003. He has now dedicated his time to help in the fight against blood cancer and raise funds for vital clinical trials.

Geoff Thomas said, “We are delighted to be holding our first Art Auction at the Institute of Directors this year. I am extremely grateful to all the artists for donating their work and everyone on the committee for their hard work in support of the Foundation.”

Entrance to the auction is free but places are limited so please contact The Geoff Thomas Foundation to make a reservation.