Cleobury promise auction of Rupert
A group of friends in south Shropshire have come together to put on an auction for a boy who needs pioneering cancer treatment.
Prizes such as an exclusive Jaguar driving experience, a week's use of a motor home, seven nights in a holiday cottage in Portugal and a night in a yurt – complete with hot tub – are all on offer at an 'auction of promises' on Friday night at the Old Lion Inn in Cleobury Mortimer.
The night, organised by friends Julie White, Sarah Hulland, Sarah-Jane Davies and Samantha Howells, is to raise vital funds for six-year-old cancer sufferer Rupert Beckett from Bridgnorth.
Rupert's family have launched Rupert's Revenge, a campaign aiming to raise £750,000 to send Rupert to America for pioneering treatment to save his life. Rupert was diagnosed with Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma at the age of three. The rare cancer - known as the silent cancer - affects just 100 children in the UK each year.
Rupert's family have used the story of a crocodile, the cancer, which lives inside him to explain his diagnosis and treatment.
Sarah-Jane Davies said: "We are really excited about the auction, which will give people the chance help Rupert fight his crocodile by bidding for a variety of fabulous lots.
"We are extremely grateful to everyone who has donated to the auction. An amazing range of pledges are on offer - there really is something for everyone.
"It promises to be a fantastic evening, and we'd love to see as many people there as possible."
Lots also include shooting days, baking, fishing trips, sheep shearing, digger and tractor hires, a case of gin, chimney sweeping, driving tuition, yoga sessions, bales of hay, butchered lambs for the freezer, two night's B&B accommodation, Ludlow Food Festival tickets, horse racing days and a pet portrait commission.
The evening will be hosted by auctioneer father and son duo Hylton and Hilton Smith (CORR), from Hopton Wafers.
Elizabeth Beckett, Rupert's aunt, said: "Despite undergoing gruelling intensive treatment for the last two years, the cancer remains in Rupert's bones and there is no effective treatment available on the NHS.
"We refuse to give up, but we cannot do this alone. It means so much to us to know that the community is behind us. We are very grateful for the support we are receiving from everyone who has contributed to the promise auction."
Bidding will start at 7.30pm prompt. A marquee has been donated for the night and an outside bar will also be available.
To place a commission bid before the night contact Sarah Hulland on 07854 070496 or Sarah-Jane on 07843 054342.
