Anyone who wants to bid for one of the dinosaurs at Dan Yr Ogof, The National Showcaves Centre for Wales, has just six days to put their offer in before the auction closes.

The dinosaur is being auctioned to the highest bidder in order to raise funds for JDRF, a charity that funds research into finding a cure for people with type I diabetes.

The last date for bids is February 26. To put in a bid email the charity at [email protected].

The idea for the auction came from Ashford Price, chairman of the National Show Caves for Wales at Dan yr Ogof, whose son and grandson both live with type 1 diabetes. Ashford said: “Diabetes is a difficult medical condition even for adults, but for young children it is so much harder.

“Some young children have six insulin injections every day just to stay alive. Can you imagine the parents’ anguish having to put a child through this daily ritual?

“I am sure someone will want our dinosaur either for a promotional tool, or maybe for a children’s hospice. Or to put in their garden to replace a pathetic looking garden gnome!"

Nine-year-old Lili, who is living with type 1 diabetes, from Neath came to meet the Allosaurus dinosaur model before he was auctioned. Lili’s mum Rachel said: “JDRF have been with us since Lili was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 2016. She received a Kidsac with Rufus the Bear just after, it offered a friendly face to help cope with the diagnosis. We support JDRF and the amazing research into a cure and better treatments by fundraising in work and school. We are so grateful to Ashford and the National Showcaves Centre for Wales for the generous donation of a dinosaur for auction, where the money raised will go towards more vital research into Type 1 Diabetes.“

Miranda Burdett, JDRF Regional Fundraiser for Wales, said: “I am delighted to say we have already received an initial opening bid of £800. We are delighted to have the continued support of the National Showcaves to JDRF (after the Charity Express Train Launch fundraiser), as the more money we raise, the more research we can support into type 1 diabetes”

The highest bidder will be announced by JDRF to mark St David’s Day on 1st March 2019.