The Figaro Shop based in Didcot, South Oxfordshire, ran a silent auction on behalf of one of their customers to take home a beautiful Emerald Green Nissan Figaro. The car was donated by Kirk Mawer, father of Lizzie, a customer of The Figaro Shop, who sadly lost her battle to cancer in 2019.
After an intense day, seeing bids coming in from across the world, the Nissan Figaro was auctioned off to Rosie and Jim Hurley in Los Osos, California, raising an impressive £13,000 for The Compassionate Friends charity.
Rosie herself is from Sunbury-on-Thames, England, which is just three miles from where Lizzie was from and where she would drive her beloved Figaro. It could not be a more fitting end to the story and feels like Lizzie’s car is going to the right home as well as a wonderful adventure.
The Compassionate Friends is a charity dedicated to helping those who have experienced the death of a child. Through its network of bereaved parents, support groups and services, the charity helps other bereaved parents, siblings and other family members work through their grief.
In response to the news, Carolyn Brice, CEO at The Compassionate Friends said:
“We are delighted that the sale of this wonderful Nissan Figaro has raised such an incredible amount of money for us. We are extremely grateful to The Figaro Shop, Kirk and the generous couple who paid such a high price to own it. Every penny raised will go towards helping make a difference in the lives of those parents and families who have lost a child.”
Kirk Mawer, Lizzie’s father said:
“Shortly before Lizzie died, she indicated that she didn’t want us to sell her treasured Figaro. Pam, Lizzie’s mum and I, struggled with what to do until we hit on the idea of a charity auction and felt sure that Lizzie would have approved. We chose The Compassionate Friends Charity because of the support they gave us during a dark period.
We want to thank everyone at The Figaro Shop for all their hard work pulling the auction together, promoting it and managing it on the day. And a huge thank you to Rosemary and Jim for giving Lizzie’s car a new home with their generous bid.”
The car currently remains with The Figaro Shop as Rosemary and Jim have requested some gentle restoration work, before the car sets sail for its new life in Los Angeles.
Tobyn Brooks, Founder of The Figaro Shop added:
“We were honoured to be involved in the project. Rosemary and Jim will be great custodians of the car, this is a lovely way to see Lizzie’s legacy continue. We will enjoy preparing the Figaro and delivering it to LA.”If you would like to know more about The Figaro Shop and their free evaluations and restoration services please visit https://www.thenissanfigaroshop.co.uk/restoration-work-evaluations/
