TWO Stroud mums are organising a huge charity auction to raise money for three charities close to their hearts.

Paula Brown, who lives in Paganhill, and her sister-in-law Lorraine Jones, who lives in Uplands, wanted to raise awareness of charities that have helped them and raise funds so they can continue helping people that need support.

The three charities are CLAPA (Cleft Lip and Palate Association), SANDS (Still born and Neonatal Death Syndrome) and Asthma UK.

Two of Paula's three children were born with cleft palates - both needed a corrective operation before reaching one-year-old and continued care to help them live a normal life.

"My husband Yaggy was born with a cleft palate but we didn't know it was hereditory," said Paula.

"When my first son, Jay, now 10, was born with a cleft I didn't know much about it.

"Jay had an operation to correct his lip but still has to wear a hearing aid - not many people know it affects hearing.

"My youngest, Lianna, now two, was also born with a cleft.

"CLAPA have been so helpful and supportive - I don't think they get enough publicity for helping families like us."

The other charities are close to Lorraine's heart.

Her son Jack, eight, suffers from severe asthma and her eldest, Jessica, 19, is also affected.

"We are supporting Asthma UK because the charity is conducting research into a cure - many people have heard of asthma but don't realise how severe it can be," said Lorraine.

"I also wanted to support SANDS because I suffered a miscarriage last year when my son Billy was born at 20 weeks.

"SANDS is a wonderful charity - without the support I don't think I would have dealt with it."

The pair have called the auction CASS to incorporate the three charity names and are holding it at 7pm on Saturday, September 11 at Forest Green Rovers' football ground.

So far they have managed to get some impressive prizes including tickets for Lord of the Dance at Wembley Arena, a signed Manchester United football, a tour of Liverpool FC's homeground Anfield, a meal for two at Hatherley Manor Hotel in Gloucester and tickets for Bristol Ice Rink and the Cheltenham races.

The pair are now appealing to businesses in the Stroud area to donate items to the auction and for a raffle - all money raised will be split between the three charities.

Anyone who would like to contribute to the auction should contact Paula on 07773034432.

Tickets for the event are available at The Green Man pub at FGR's homeground in Nailsworth or from Paula.

Tickets for the raffle are also available from Trading Post in Stroud.

For more information visit www.stroudcharityauction.co.uk