Ruby is 12. Both her uncle and her best friend are, and have been, deeply affected by this terrible disease. Frustrated at being unable to help in more practical ways, Ruby has decided to try and raise some money instead.

An avid crafter, she has created four, unique, hand-stitched Christmas decorations, pictured above. This set of four can be shipped internationally as well as within the UK, upon payment by the winning bidder. 

Guaranteed to bring brighten up yours, or a loved one's tree this yuletide season, why not treat yourself, whilst doing something excellent for charity at the same time?

A short note from me, Rachael Prior, Ruby's mum...

Normally I'd have something vaguely witty or pithy to say in my attempt to lure your debit/credit cards out of your pocket and support this charitable endeavour by my daughter. I will confess, I am not quite myself this Christmas. I can't quite summon the requisite seasonal pep or succinctly compelling blurb.  I feel like a lead weight, consumed by worry and concern for the well-being of my brother-in-law, my sister, and their two boys, who are 8 and 10 respectively. 

Watching them try and cope with this disease over the last 18 months has been harrowing and heartbreaking. If it has felt like this from the sidelines, I can't even begin to imagine what it has been like for them in the eye of the storm. 

This auction is Ruby's idea. Well, to be honest, she wanted to make these items and try and sell them at school for a pound a piece. Me being me, and with enough outstanding, kind-hearted followers on Twitter to make her efforts count for much more financially, we have decided to auction them publicly. 

I hope you will show her that the world is not such a terrible place, and that when you put out goodness into it, it can come back to you ten-fold. 

If you can't bid (and times are tough, and responsibly-farmed turkeys are the price of a deposit on a small flat), then please share as far and wide as you can, on all your social media platforms and especially with your rich aunties. 

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