STARS’ GIFTS OUT OF THIS WORLD

Mar 20 2007 Paisley Daily Express

BOSSES at a top charity reckon Doctor Who star David Tennant is out of this world after he handed over a signed script from the hit TV show to raise much-needed funds.

And singing sensation Paolo Nutini is also top of the pops with ACCORD Hospice fundraisers, thanks to his donation of a platinum disc.

The precious gifts from two of Paisley’s most famous sons are expected to coin in thousands of pounds for ACCORD when they are put up for auction this weekend.

Helen McLauchlan, fundraising co-ordinator at the Paisley hospice, said: “We are bowled over with the donation of these unique auction items and cannot thank David and Paolo enough for their support.”

The Doctor Who script, which is signed by Paisley actor David and his former co-star Billie Piper, is sure to attract the attention of fans of the top BBC sci-fi show.

Written by Russell T Davies, the script contains notes penned by David on many of the pages.

Davies is generally considered the top writer for the TV series and sci-fi fans are often willing to part with thousands of pounds to get a script by him.

And the added bonus of signatures by David and Billie could send bidding through the roof.

Last year, former Paisley Grammar School pupil David donated a Doctor Who script to a charity sale in Edinburgh, which was bought by Renfrewshire businessman John McGlynn for £2,500.

David’s parents – the Very Reverend Dr Sandy McDonald and his wife Helen – have long been involved in fundraising for ACCORD.

Dr McDonald said: “David knows we’re closely involved with ACCORD and I said to him it would be good if he could donate something for the auction, so he gave the signed script.

“I know the Russell T Davies ones are highly prized, plus it’s David’s own script, watermarked throughout with his name.”

Meanwhile, fans of former St Andrew’s Academy pupil Paolo will be keen to bid for the platinum disc, which was awarded to him following the success of his hit album These Streets.

Paolo’s dad Alfredo, who runs the popular Castelvecchi chip shop in Paisley’s New Street, has praised his son’s generosity.

He said: “Any money the disc raises for ACCORD will be put to good use.”

The TV script and platinum disc will go under the hammer during an auction being staged during ACCORD’s 25th anniversary ball at Paisley Town Hall on Saturday.

Fundraiser Helen added: “We have been advised to place reserve prices on David’s and Paolo’s generous donations on account of their exclusivity.”

To find out more about the auction, call ACCORD on 0141 581 2000.