It said its centre in Scotland had been transferred to new owners and work was "ongoing" to transfer its York-based care centre to a new provider.

BBC: Helen Ley centre

Now current owners the MS Society said it had signed an initial agreement with a locally-based care centre.

BBC: Helen Ley centre

All proceeds from the auction will go to two charities - the Cardiff-based George Thomas Centre for Hospice Care and The Friends of Ysbwty George Thomas.

BBC: News | UK Politics | Speaker's memories go under the hammer