A LOCAL entrepreneur is set to host a promise auction with a special guest in aid of a local mental health charity, supporting those in rural areas.

Aled Bates, who owns an agricultural and construction company, is hosting the event to help the DPJ Foundation, financially as well as trying to spread the word about men’s mental health.

He will bring Lee Byrne, a Welsh former professional rugby union and rugby league footballer, to the Oliver Jones Memorial Hall, near Chirk, on February 17, at 6pm.

Aled has struggled with mental health since university, but since then the charity has helped him back on his feet.

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He said: “I went to university to study veterinary, and in my first year everything went really well.

“Then second year came and I didn’t really enjoy it that much – it all became a bit of a nightmare.

“I left university because of my mental health.”

After overcoming his depression Aled decided to do something to help the charity.

He continued: “It’s a charity quite close to my heart – I have used them and my family have too. 

“This is my way of giving back.

Border Counties Advertizer: Aled Bates.Aled Bates. (Image: Aled Bates)

“They offered me counselling and all, there are helplines and lots of way that they help.”

A promise auction is an occasion when people bid for something that someone has offered to do, or just items that they have put forward.

Aled added: “I needed to sort my life out, so I decided to open my business – and they really helped me get back on my feet.

“I am all about trying to get back to people who helped me.

“I hope by spreading the word I can help people in the future – and I want to smash the stigma around mental health in men.”

Tickets for the event are £50, and those interested to take part can contact Aled on 07581010359.