David Beckham backs The Independent's charity appeal for Great Ormond Street Hospital

The football icon said that he was inspired by the courage of its patients during a visit to the hospital

The car David Beckham bought when he was 19 is also available to bid on as part of the Give to GOSH online charity auction Ian Gavan/Getty Images
David Beckham has backed The Independent's Christmas appeal for Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).

The football star, who has met some of the young children treated at the hospital, threw his weight behind the Give To GOSH appeal and called on readers to donate.

He spoke as The Independent launched the first of three auctions to raise money for GOSH, which includes the VW Golf that Beckham bought when he was a teenager. Other lots include a hotel stay in Mauritius, an Aston Martin driving course and Premier League football experiences.

Fans of the former England and Manchester United star will get a chance to drive it like Beckham by bidding for his old VW Golf. Beckham said: “I’m so pleased to be part of this amazing appeal to help children at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Victoria and I have seen the incredible work of the hospital and I’ve met its brave young patients. I find their courage truly inspiring.

“By supporting the Give To GOSH appeal you will help make a difference to these special patients and their families.”

Beckham went on to buy a fleet of supercars as his career progressed, but back in the Nineties the turquoise VW hatchback was his pride and joy.

The winning bidder will get an insight into the teenager who became one of the most famous footballers on the planet. He bought the VW in 1994 when he was just 19 years old. He was playing for Manchester United at the time and had yet to meet his wife Victoria.

He purchased it from Ian Skelly car dealers in Manchester, and the winning bidder will get a list of previous owners from the DVLA, as well as the VW customer care report from August 1994, both with Beckham’s name on.

Beckham has signed a picture of the vehicle to confirm the fact that he owned it. Bidding in the online auction opened today and will close at 9pm on Tuesday December 8. Beckham’s endorsement of Give To GOSH comes after actor Johnny Depp pledged his support to the appeal.  A giant teddy signed by Depp and Benedict Cumberbatch is also up for grabs in the auction.