Eden farmers and businesses are showing their pedigree by donating livestock which will be sold at Penrith auction mart to raise money for the people of war-torn Ukraine.
A number of sheep will go under the hammer at a sale to be held by the Penrith and District Farmers’ Mart Partnership on Wednesday, and several calves are to be sold at the mart to raise money to help the millions of refugees fleeing from their homes after Russia’s unprovoked invasion of its neighbour.
Following the sale of cast ewes on Wednesday, an ATV trailer donated by county firm Carrs Billington Agriculture, and worth around £700, will also be auctioned off.
Additionally, the mart partnership is organising a raffle for the good cause and many tempting prizes have already been donated by Cumbrian businesses, ranging from an all-weather jacket and wellies to meals out at local premises. Raffle tickets can be bought at the mart office.
One of those to get the ball rolling was Rob Bland, of Abbott Lodge, Clifton, who is offering for sale a Jersey heifer calf called Clifton Ares Bethany, born on August 30.
Rob said: “The whole family wanted to do something for the people of Ukraine — you’ve got to do your bit.
“We’ll probably never go through anything like they are, but you’d hope that if something happened here then other people would help.”
Also backing the fundraising effort is dairy farmer Chris Mallinson, of Hallfield, Hesket Newmarket, who is donating an eight-week-old British Blue cross heifer produced by one of his Friesian cows.
He said: “I hope it makes as much as possible for a really good cause, and hopefully others will donate to help Ukraine.
“In a way they’re fighting for our way of life, and you have to put yourself in their shoes — what you see is terrible and there are probably worse things happening.”
Other donors include Messrs Bellas, Appleby, who are giving a British Blue yearling heifer; the Howtown Hotel, Sunday lunch for four people; TW Relph & Sons, a Ridgeline all-weather jacket; Kitridding Farm Shop, breakfast for two; Kings Arms Hotel, Shap, Sunday lunch for two; and Eden Farm Supplies, Hunter wellies and boots.
Anybody wanting to donate sheep, cattle, livestock equipment or other items should ring the mart office on 01768 864700 or auctioneer Andrew Maughan on 07717 611952.
