Former AB signs ride for good cause

SIGN UP: Zac Guildford adds his signature to the "AB" Toyota, while current owner Megan Harris and Stephen Boys from Turners look on. PHOTO/DUNCAN BROWN

Former All Black and current Magpies star Zac Guildford is used to dashing off an autograph or two, but it was an extra special occasion yesterday when he drew the pen out to deliver another one.

He did not put it down on a piece of paper though - he left it on the bonnet of a 1992 Toyota Corona.

It was an autograph which now has pride of place amid a felt-penned sea of fellow former and current All Blacks colleagues on a car that is now up for auction in support of the Child Cancer Foundation.

"Yep, first time I've signed a car," he said with a smile as he put down his name, his All Black number and the years he played.

Which, as he penned, started with 2009 - then he placed a dash - and then Stephen Boys from Turners who has been overseeing the auction process suggested he leave the space open.

"You never know - it might not be the end of it yet," Mr Boys said.

Guildford smiled and nodded.

"Yeah, I'd like to think not - that's the dream."

The Toyota, which bears about 200 signatures of past and present All Blacks, was bought at a previous charity auction by Napier woman Megan Harris four years ago after it was put up as a money-raiser by Auckland man Rikki Faint, who had started the signature collection.

He wanted to create a moving autograph book and when she and her husband heard about it they went for it.

Now they have decided to do their bit for fundraising and have decided to "pay it forward" by putting it up for online auction through Turners and Trade Me.

She hopes it may hit the $10,000 mark.

"We have been blessed to have healthy kids - it is nice to be able to help people."

While based in the Bay, the signatures of Magpie All Blacks such as Ian MacRae, Neil Thimbleby and Blair Furlong were sought and added - along with Sir John Kirwan during a visit here.

"It will be sad to see it go because it is kind of special - but it's such a good cause."

Guildford said he had previously supported Child Cancer off his own bat, because it meant a lot to him.

A young cousin had battled cancer for five years.

"He's pretty good now though so things like this bring it home - it is pretty personal for me and pretty humbling."

The Turners crew in Napier have taken the special Toyota "AB" Corona to their hearts - and see it as one would see a good front row forward.

As one staff member noted - "pretty reliable, fairly well built, been in a few rucks, has a few battle scars and may even dribble a bit ... but it's still capable of playing a full game".

Among the autographs are some close to legendary ones - such as Fred Allen, Colin Meads and Wilson Whineray.

Of the current ABs, you'll spot Richie McCaw, Sonny Bill Williams, Dan Carter, Ma'a Nonu, Kieran Read and Conrad Smith.

Turners Napier branch manager Phil Brenchley said the company was staging the auction free of charge given the good cause, and if it resulted in the car heading out of the region to its new owners, BTL Vehicle Transport would move it also free of charge.

The online auction is under way and ends on September 14 at 8pm.