Local bride auctioning wedding dress to raise funds for charity that supported her son

Kelly Roberts, a mother of three, pledged to support Caudwell Children, the national charity that provides practical and emotional support to disabled children and their families, after it gave fundraising support to her 8-year-old son, Alexander.

He was referred for an assessment for autism, at the end of 2015, during which Kelly, aged 29, was told about Caudwell Children and the support that they give to children with the condition.

As she explained: “The lady who assessed Alexander told me how sensory equipment often has a calming effect on children with sensory conditions. When she told me that Caudwell Children could provide fundraising support to secure a light sensory pack, which would normally cost over £1,300, I made a note of their name and finally got in touch with them at the end of last year.”

The charity agreed to provide the funding needed to allow Kelly, and her husband Jordan, to buy the pack and after receiving the specialist kit Kelly was determined to give something back.

“Alexander struggles with his emotions but the kit has really helped to calm him down when he’s been anxious or frustrated.

“Unfortunately, with the cost of the wedding, which only took place on January, 14, we’re not in a position to give money. However, it suddenly occurred to me that I could raise some cash by auctioning my dress on eBay.”

Although it will be a wrench to part with the long, full length, flowing gown, Kelly and Jordan are both of the opinion that they would rather see some good come out of it rather than it be kept, out of sight, never to be used again.

“We’re both in agreement that it’s the right thing to do,” explained Kelly, who is a Personal Assistant for a Health and Social Care Trust.

With the dress costing £1,400 it looks like someone will grab themselves a wedding day bargain. “It’s a beautiful dress,” said Kelly. “It’s a size 10-12 and is made from tulle, a lightweight, very fine netting which is made of various fibres including silk, nylon, and rayon.

“The material is most commonly used in wedding gowns but is also used in ballet tutus.”

Kelly has put a reserve price on the dress and you can bid for the elegant item on her eBay page here.

For more information on Caudwell Children visit: www.caudwellchildren.com