Devon Farmer auctions prize lamb

A Devon farmer who has survived four cardiac arrests and two cancer diagnoses has turned personal hardship into hope by raising over £8,500 for Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation through a heartfelt auction.

Andrew Pedrick, 68, from Buckfastleigh, who lives with mycosis fungoides - a rare type of blood cancer - and prostate cancer, auctioned a Beltex x Charollais ewe lamb at Exeter Livestock Centre. The lamb was purchased by nine-year-old Charles Harfoot, whose family has faced their own battles with cancer and heart disease, for a staggering £5,660 - well above the expected £400-£500.

The auction brought emotional scenes, with Andrew recalling: "It was very emotional, there were lots of tears from lots of people. We thought it might fetch around £400-£500, but the offers came flooding in and she sold for £5,660. Then, when word got out about what we’d done and why, we received hundreds more in donations and have now reached around £8,500."

Andrew’s health struggles began two years ago with a diagnosis of mycosis fungoides. He underwent total skin electron beam therapy, a specialised form of radiotherapy. While recovering, he suffered a cardiac arrest and was resuscitated by a paramedic.

Three additional cardiac arrests followed during surgery, resulting in a broken sternum and ribs from CPR. During his hospitalisation, he received a prostate cancer diagnosis and underwent radiotherapy and hormone treatment.

Despite these challenges, Andrew remains deeply grateful to the medical professionals and researchers who have supported him: “I cannot express my gratitude to my GP, the paramedics, hospital staff, and those behind the research that have helped me stand here today and give me more time with my family."

Andrew hopes that by sharing his story, he can inspire others in the farming community to speak openly about cancer; a subject often seen as taboo in rural areas.

"It’s a very taboo subject. I never thought for one minute I would have cancer. But we need to talk about it more so people get symptoms checked and get diagnosed early when it’s more treatable. It’s also so much better for your mental health to talk about cancer. Don’t go quiet, do seek advice," he urged.

Young buyer Charles Harfoot was thrilled to bring the lamb home, with a heartfelt connection to the cause. His father, John Harfoot, was diagnosed with prostate cancer at 45 and has battled heart issues himself.

Charles said “It was very exciting to buy a new sheep to join the others on my farm. I was excited to have this special sheep because it was for cancer."

Cancer Research UK is dedicated to a vision of longer, healthier lives free from the fear of cancer. The funds raised by Andrew Pedrick will support vital research and life-saving treatments for those facing cancer and heart disease.

For more information or to support the work of Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation, visit www.cancerresearchuk.org and www.bhf.org.uk