THUNDER guitarist Luke Morley is auctioning off his Washburn guitar to raise funds for CompAid. The following message has been posted at the band's website:

Your one and only chance to own a real piece of Thunder history - check out the below statement from the auction organisers:

"Luke and the band have signed his Washburn acoustic guitar, as played at Donington '90 and various Thunder tours, to raise funds for Compaid. Thunder are connected to the CompAid appeal through Martin Harris, an old mate from school days. Martin was a talented musician, who suffered a stroke and a subsequent major fit.

As a result, he will never work or play music again and is cared for full time by his wife Beverley. Martin also needs the support of CompAid for him and his family to maintain quality of life.

About CompAid...

CompAid is an outgoing and innovative organisation that profoundly helps people with congenital, acquired and/or life-limiting disabilities (e.g.Motor Neurone Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Spina Bifida, Head Injury, Stroke). [DB] They use computers for theraputic, educational and recreational activities. In addition they run specially adapted vehicles to transport approximately 500 people a week.

(Full details of the organisation can be seen via the link below).

The Appeal...

CompAid have lost their permanent place of residence and are looking to be re-housed. The funds raised via the appeal will go towards their long term objective of permanently rehousing themselves. In the short term it will greatly assist with the daily running costs and will allow even more deserving individuals access to to their services.

The Auction...

If you wish to bid for the guitar and help CompAid at the same time, please go via the link to the auction site and follow the instructions. The auction will run from 7th March until 13th March (here).

Alternatively if you do not want to participate in the auction but wish to contribute please do so via the CompAid website. Good luck!"

In related news, the following message has also been issued via the band's site: "Please be aware that there seems to be someone out there contacting Thunder fans via MSN messenger claiming to be Luke Morley. Please note that Luke does not use MSN - this is an impostor... don't be fooled!!"