A media company in Beckenham has raised more than £14,000 through an auction to “give back to the community” by donating to a mental health charity and local sports clubs.

Justin Lawson, the owner of Black Knight Media group, organised an auction with the help of his company during a work event in November 2021.

They auctioned sports memorabilia and holidays including a weekend in Scotland and a week in Florida.

The 44-year-old said their aim was to “give back to the community” by donating to Mind, a mental health charity and local sports clubs including Beckenham Town Junior Football Club.

This Is Local London: Justin Lawson at auction Justin Lawson at auction

Justin told the News Shopper he decided to raise money through sports by thinking about people “battling” with mental health during the pandemic.

He said: “As someone who has been diagnosed with stress and anxiety, I wanted to give back to the community especially during the pandemic.

“I believe that sport is a fantastic way for people to leave their troubles behind.

“So, I decided to auction sports memorabilia during a company event.

“I feel that keeping fit is so important for a person’s mental and physical health especially for our children through Covid.”

Justin said they raised more than £14,000 from the auction where 85 per cent of the money (£12,100) was raised for Mind.

The remaining 15 per cent (£2,135) will go to other local sports clubs.

This Is Local London: Justin with a guest during auctionJustin with a guest during auction

The company also donated a £900 defibrillator to Beckenham Town Junior Club and will buy equipment and footballs with the remaining money.

Clyde Pullen, head coach at Beckenham Town Junior Football Club, said: "We would like to thank Justin and his business for their generosity and support.

“The junior football club is a big part of the community, and it needs the support of local businesses like Black Knight Media to survive.

“This is an amazing gift which could mean the difference between life and death if it ever has to be used.”

Justin said that donations for the auction were given from Premier League football clubs such as Liverpool and Arsenal.

He added: “We received donations for the auction from clubs including Liverpool, Arsenal, Cardiff, Swansea and Crystal Palace.

“In addition to these donations, we bought some items to put on the auction such as a signed Tyson Fury boxing glove and a signed Gordon Banks print.”

This Is Local London: Guests at the auctionGuests at the auction

Justin said after a “successful” auction he plans to make further donations for Mind during their next event in June 2022.

He explained: “We’ve got an event planned like the auction for June this year, where hopefully we can source books and prizes to auction off.

“We may plan to support Mind again in the Beckenham and Bromley area, as it’s well worth the cause.”

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