A dream wedding or special event package, including venue hire and specially negotiated discounts at a range of local suppliers, is being offered at auction in aid of a children’s cancer charity.

The Sheepshed, a luxury wedding venue, has teamed up with a local caterer, cake maker, ice cream trailer, dress supplier and more to offer the bespoke wedding/event package.

Couples planning to tie the knot in April, June, August, or September next year are encouraged to place a bid.

All proceeds from the sale, which is live until 27th October, is the second consecutive auction to benefit #BeMoreFrank, a named fund of the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust.

#BeMoreFrank provides grants to the family of every child with cancer in Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Powys, Monmouthshire, Ceredigion, and Gloucestershire. It recently began providing funding for a Herefordshire childhood cancer Family Support Worker for three months. A successful auction could allow it to extend this funding.

Emma Cleal, founder of #BeMoreFrank, said:

‘Thanks to overwhelming generosity from the local community we’re delighted to offer a second wonderful wedding or event package auction.  Off the back of a successful first auction ending last weekend, this second auction will help provide a vital financial lifeline to a family in distress. I’ve been there and it’s harrowing.

‘When your child has cancer, all any parent wants is to be able to concentrate on being at their bedside, not worrying about bills. But it’s not that simple.

‘Treating childhood cancer is normally a years-long, devastating process and financial hardship too often compounds acutely traumatic stress.

‘I want to thank those who submit bids as they are directly supporting families going through desperately tough times, whilst celebrating what I truly hope is the happiest day of their lives. And this auction really is about making sure that day is spectacular.

‘There are few more significant events in life than planning a wedding or similar event. We’re delighted to be able to offer a lucky winner this stunning rural venue with breathtaking views, seating a huge 140 guests.’

The Sheepshed in New Radnor just over the Powys border is a newly converted sheep shed offering a charming and rustic venue in the Welsh hills. The winning bidder has a choice of four dates next year: 6th April 2024, 22nd June 2024, 17thAugust 2024 or 28th September 2024.

Laura Giordano, CEO of The Sheepshed, said:

‘My husband and I had dinner with friends recently who talked so eloquently about a cause named Be More Frank which Emma & Eddie established after Frank’s death.  We had never heard of Be More Frank but were moved by the story.  Emma’s email arrived in my inbox a short while later and it felt like it was meant to be!  We’re delighted to be able to offer our venue and do our bit for such a touching local cause.