FORMER Saints centre Iosia Soliola is backing a charity auction being held in St Helens to raise money for 12-year-old Melissa Adams.

The auction, on Saturday, October 15, will be staged by Boar's Head pub landlord and landlady Alex and Sarah O’Neill, in aid of the Melissa's Smile charity.

In 2006, Melissa was diagnosed with the rare genetic disorder Angelman Syndrome, which has left her with a number of disabilities including being unable to speak, poor mobility skills and epilepsy.

Her mum Kathryn is trying to raise £5,000 for the charity to fund a sensory room for her daughter to help manage her condition and buy some new equipment

Kathryn, from Eccleston, who is hoping to attend the auction with her daughter, received donations of signed gloves from boxer Martin Murray and a deckchair signed by the cast of TV comedy Benidorm

However, she was knocked out when she received a package from half-way across the globe courtesy of ex-Saints centre Iosia Soliola.

Iosia, 30, who played for St Helens between 2010 and 2014 has also played international rugby for New Zealand and was captain of the Samoan team in the 2013 Rugby World Cup.

Kathryn said: "I was delighted by all of the donations but was really surprised to hear back from Iosia, who now plays for Canberra Raiders. He sent me a message saying there was a parcel on its way for Melissa.

"When it arrived I was shocked to find there were four Australian rugby shirts signed by his team, by Bankstown Raiders and by state rivals News South Wales Blues and Queensland Maroons, who play in an annual best of three The State of Origin competition. The competition was won this year by Queensland.

"To have such a rare shirts is fantastic and we are hoping that lots of people will come along on the day to help support the fundraising."

Pub landlord Alex said: "We opened the pub only 10 weeks ago and the aim has been to turn it into a community pub and sports bar. I was contacted by Melissa's mum and after hearing her story and meeting her daughter, I wanted to do something for her."

As well as the auction, there will be a barbecue, karaoke, bouncy castle and a raffle with prizes including signed Wigan and St Helens shirts and a St Helens rugby ball.

He added: "We are still looking for somebody to host the event and it would be great if we could get one of the football, rugby or acting celebrities along to be the auctioneer."

The event takes place from noon with the auction starting at around 5pm.

Anyone who can help Alex can email bearsheadsthelens@gmail.com.