Sheep sale brings in over £4,000 for Ukraine crisis

Rachel Wood with Junior and their sheep. The sheep is painted in the blue and yellow of Ukraine — Rachel Wood with Junior and their sheep

The sale of a sheep has helped to raise £3,600 for children in Ukraine.

Last week, Head Cashier at Bendles Solicitors in Carlisle, Rachel Wood sold a sheep at auction to raise money for children in the Ukraine crisis.

Rachel and her partner Thomas, who are sheep and cattle farmers from Lockerbie, wanted to do something to help the appeal for children in Ukraine. Having a son (Thomas Junior) who is 21 months old and seeing the conflict unfolding in the media, has really brought what was happening so much closer to home. As a family, they tried to think of ways they could help through the farming community.

Rachel, who works four days a week at Bendles Solicitors, helps on the farm when she can and joined Thomas and Thomas Junior at Longtown Auction on March 10 to sell their Texel Cross Ewe, hoping to make a few hundred pounds.

However, the couple were astounded when their sheep brought in an impressive £3,600. Bendles Solicitors also donated £500, which brings the initial sum to £4,100!

Rachel said: “We had the idea of selling one of our sheep for the appeal as a last-minute decision. We had an allocated slot at auction and took the best of a large herd. The sheep was probably worth around £220, and having our son Junior present, we think his influence as the next generation of farmers, had something to do with the amazing amount we achieved.

“We never dreamt we would make that much. We have still been getting donations this week, so who knows what the final total will be. It will be amazing to send a huge amount of money over to Ukraine to help all the children in need there.”

Donations and other monies are still being collected and all proceeds will go to the Urgent Ukraine Crisis: Help Kids in Need.