A Burnham-on-Crouch business is auctioning off a signed Southend United football to raise money for two fantastic causes.

Bistro on the Quay, based in Burnham, is raising money through the auction for Epic Dance and T.J. Needham.

T.J., who has spina bifida, was born to Dublin parents Claire McDaid and Jay Needham in October 2020.

Claire and Jay are trying to raise €40,000 to give T.J. the life-changing treatment and special equipment she needs, which the Bistro's auction hopes to support.

The auction is also in aid of Epic Dance - a street dance club based in Burnham which provides fun dance sessions and the opportunity for competitions, exams and shows for children aged between 3 and 18 years old.

Claire Payne, who runs the Bistro, said: "Send me your bid via messenger - the highest bid wins.

"The football can be collected or sent via courier."

The current deadline for bidding is Saturday 27 November, but this may be extended depending on interest.

The Bistro is also running a gift appeal for the children's Phoenix Ward at Broomfield Hospital.

Children who are staying at the ward will write small requests for gifts that they would like on tags, which will then be added to a Christmas tree at Bistro on the Quay - the Giving Tree.

The Giving Tree is being organised by staff at the Bistro alongside Carlie Boler, the principal of Epic Dance.

It is set to be unveiled at the restaurant during its Christmas on the Quay day on Saturday 27 November, but residents can already drop off gifts at the restaurant for the children, which staff will wrap and label on delivery to the ward.

Claire said: "We are accepting sealed and new games, toys, toiletries and even raffle prizes now for our big Christmas on the Quay day."

Simply head down to the Bistro - at CM0 8AT - to drop off your donations, or Claire can arrange for collections locally.

All donations will be delivered to the ward on Christmas Eve.

Find Bistro on the Quay on Facebook here.

You can donate to the Bistro's fundraiser here.

You can also view and donate to T.J.'s fundraiser here.