A rare book about West Ham is being auctioned to raise money for a charity shop after a strange coincidence.
Phillip Jesson discovered a copy of Fifty Years a Borough: The Story of West Ham in the widow of the Rainbow Trust Shop in Corbets Tey Road, Upminster, by chance in December.
He found a copy of the same book in the shop’s sister branch Harold Wood, Havering, where he volunteers, in May 2013, and auctioned it to raise funds for the Rainbow Trust.
The first copy of the book, which contains historic images of West Ham from its pre-London days, was auctioned and sold for £80.
Mr Jessen is keen to repeat the success, with all proceeds as before going to the Ranbow Trust, which supports the families of young people who have illnesses that threaten or shorten their lives.
He said: “I was just walking by when I saw it in the window.
“There were many bids on the last copy so I would like to auction this one as well.”
For more information or to place a bid please contact Mr Jesson on 01708 760530.
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