The wildlife charity has praised Jess and Andrew Mills, owners of the independent musical instrument retailer Curvy Sounds, for spearheading the fundraising effort, and thanked everyone who donated prizes, bought tickets and helped spread the word. The generosity and enthusiasm of the Heaton community played a vital role in making the campaign such a success.

Earlier this year, Curvy Sounds launched a raffle featuring a bespoke Tokai Les Paul electric guitar worth around £1,000. The instrument was customised by Andrew Mills, who created a unique design using iridescent pearl ovals radiating from the centre of the guitar.

Jess and Andrew’s connection to The Rothbury Estate inspired the fundraiser. They have many cherished memories of the estate and the wider Northumberland countryside, from family bilberry-picking trips and camping adventures at Druridge Bay to kayaking along the River Coquet during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Their commitment to securing the future of The Rothbury Estate encouraged residents and businesses across Heaton to support the campaign. Additional prizes were donated by local businesses, while a fundraising event at The Old Coal Yard featured performances from Maximo Park, musician Scott Hepple and local singer-songwriter Nev Clay.

Nev has also donated his own Godin electric guitar, worth more than £1,000, to help raise even more funds through a future raffle.

Mike Pratt, Chief Executive of Northumberland Wildlife Trust, said:

"What a life-affirming event this was, and what an outstanding community effort.

"It was truly inspiring to see how much people in urban Newcastle love Simonside and support our vision for restoring nature on an unprecedented scale. It underlines our belief that the benefits we are aiming to bring will mean a great deal to people everywhere.

"Many of the community members, artists and musicians involved already know Simonside well and have written poetry and music inspired by it. In every way, it was an inspiring occasion and a fantastic fundraising effort that will help make a difference as we work towards our goal."

Additional prizes for the raffle were donated by The Last Resort, The Tipsy Toad, The Dog Grocers, Body Image Fitness, The Artichoke Gift Shop, The Butterfly Cabinet, Smoke and Sear, The Handsome Sandwich, The Barn Door, 10ten, Querido, The Old Coal Yard and Davidson Optometrists.

The funds raised will support Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s campaign to secure The Rothbury Estate and deliver large-scale nature recovery for wildlife and people across the region.

Anybody wishing to donate to The Rothbury Appeal can do so at www.wildlifetrusts.org/appeals/rothbury-estate-nature-and-nation