Cash in the Attic

Robert Harley has flogged his antique concertina and donated the proceeds to two local cancer charities.

Robert was at home watching BBC TV Show ‘Flog It’ when a familiar looking concertina made an appearance on screen.  The 70-year-old said “On the programme the concertina which was a Wheatstone was valued at £500 because of its condition and it sold for £900.  I remembered that I had a similar one in the loft which had been lying up there for at least 20 years.” 

Upon finding the concertina in his possession was also a Wheatstone but was in even better condition Rob took the concertina to McTears the auctioneers.  “The auctioneers put an estimate of £800 to £1200 and added to their next musical instrument auction where it sold for £1900 once fees etc had been taken off I got £1511.80. I don’t remember anyone in the family playing this instrument so not sure who originally it came from, but I got it from my dad.”

Having found this unexpected cash in the attic Robert decided to do an incredibly generous thing by donating it to two charities who have supported him. “Maggie’s and Cancer Support Scotland have helped me on my cancer journey and I thought it would be nice if they could benefit from the sale of the concertina which had been lying in the loft gathering dust.  I was surprised the concertina went for £1900 but happy too that this money was going to charities that provide excellent support to help us through our cancer journeys”

Unfortunately, Cancer Support Scotland have recently had to close their doors but Maggie’s still sits atop the hill at Gartnavel not far from the Beatson Cancer Centre and are there to support.

Kerry Craig Centre head at Maggie’s Glasgow said “Our team were thrilled to hear Robert’s story and grateful for his generosity in donating the proceeds of the auction to Maggie’s.  We are happy we were able to support him on his cancer journey and would urge anyone seeking cancer support to just come in”

Maggie’s offers the best possible support free to anyone with cancer, as well as their families and friends, who walk through our doors.  Our centres sit alongside NHS hospitals and Maggie’s can also support you online.  The majority of Maggie’s funding is from voluntary donations. 

To find out more about Maggie’s Glasgow please visit the centre at or get in touch on 0141 330 9792