A DROITWICH man has vowed to make a charity auction a success to honour his brave wife who has died from motor neurone disease.

John Bickerton made the pledge after wife Marilyn, known as Mal, died from the debilitating illness just 17 months after she was diagnosed with it.

Mr Bickerton, father of Droitwich golf professional John Bickerton, described the disease as "your worst nightmare" but said his wife of 38 years had kept smiling even when she was unable to eat, speak or move.

The couple had planned an auction of sporting memorabilia this summer in aid of the Worcester branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association and together with friends had collected dozens of signed cricket, football and rugby items and free restaurant meals.

"People wanted to support us just because they loved Mal," said Mr Bickerton.

He will now make a final effort to encourage bidders to attend the auction before giving up fund-raising.

He said: "After the auction I won't be doing it anymore.Physical tiredness you can get over, but I'm emotionally drained."

Mr Bickerton, aged 57, said the family's nightmare started in September 2005 when Mrs Bickerton suffered tingling in her fingers and slurred speech. She was diagnosed with MND in December and in January Mr Bickerton gave up his welding business to be with her.

At first the couple enjoyed holidays but by June she had deteriorated and was unable to walk by September.

He said: "In the last few weeks everything just packed up. She couldn't even mumble a sentence."

She was taken to a specialist respiratory clinic for tests but died on Saturday, April 28, 2007 aged 60. About 300 mourners attended her funeral, donating £1,200 to the association.

Mr Bickerton said: "She worked in sales and she could sell anything because people loved her. She smiled right up to the last week, even though I think she knew something was wrong. She was the happiest person. That was just Mal."

The auction takes place at 2pm on Sunday, June 24, at Worcestershire County Cricket Club. Entry is free. For more information visit www.

mnauction.co.uk or e-mail john.bickerton1@btinternet.com or call 01905 458171.

UP FOR AUCTION* David Beckham's signed England shirt* Flag from 18th British Open Hoylake signed by Tom Watson* Tiger Woods' signed cap* Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo signed boot* Ronaldinho signed Barcelona shirt* High tea at the Elms Carvery at the Chateau Impney Hotel* 10 free golf four balls at Worcestershire clubs