Farmer Who ‘Died’ Four Times Auctions Sheep for Charity – Raises Over £8,000

A farmer who has survived multiple cardiac arrests and is living with two types of cancer has raised over £8,000 for charity by auctioning off a sheep in Cornwall.

A Life-Saving Fundraiser

Andrew Pedrick, 68, has faced extraordinary health challenges, including four cardiac arrests and diagnoses of both a rare blood cancer and prostate cancer. Wanting to give back to the causes that helped save his life, he decided to auction a Beltex x Charollais ewe lamb at a livestock sale in Truro.

“We sell sheep and cattle that would normally go to slaughter, but we decided to auction off a Beltex x Charollais ewe lamb to see if we could raise some money to help other people like me,” said Andrew.

Expecting to raise between £400 and £500, he was overwhelmed when bids kept rising, with the final sale reaching £5,660.

“It was very emotional, there were lots of tears from lots of people,” he said. “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.”

📷Charles Harfoot's family bought the ewe at auction after his family was touched by cancer. He hopes to now breed his own flock.

A Special Purchase for a Young Farmer

The winning bid came from nine-year-old Charles Harfoot, who bought the ewe at the Truro auction with plans to start his own flock at Treffinick Farm in Bray Shop.

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

Charles’ father, John, 53, has a personal connection to the charities benefiting from the auction, having been diagnosed with prostate cancer at 45 and experiencing heart problems himself.

“I felt strongly about supporting this auction,” said John. “Thankfully I’ve made a full recovery but it’s important to support these charities.”

Giving Back to Life-Saving Charities

On Wednesday, 12th March, Andrew handed over a cheque to representatives from Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation at the Lodge and Thomas Truro Livestock Centre. Funds were also donated to Torbay Hospital, which played a critical role in his treatment and survival.

“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,” said Andrew.

📷Photo credit: Ian Hampton Celtic Photography

A Message to the Farming Community

Andrew hopes his story will encourage others in the farming community to talk more openly about cancer.

“It’s a very taboo subject,” he said. “I never thought for one minute I would have cancer. But we need to talk about it more so that 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.”

How to Support Cancer Research UK

Cancer Research UK’s research has helped double cancer survival rates in the UK over the past 50 years.

Pippa Rothwell, relationship manager for Cornwall, encouraged others in the farming community to get involved in fundraising. She can be contacted at pippa.rothwell@cancer.org.uk.

“Incredible supporters like Andrew and Charles are helping us to go further and faster in the fight against the disease,” she said.

To support Cancer Research UK, visit cruk.org or call 0300 123 1022.

📷Andrew Pedrick with representatives from Cancer Research UK and auctioneers, Lodge and Thomas