At this year’s NSA North Sheep, being held at Cockermouth on June 3rd, host farmer Neil Marston and his fellow breeders are donating Tup semen from two Bluefaced Leicester Tups to raise funds for the Stay Strong Stu campaign.

The first two doses of semen (one pellet) to be auctioned will come from Bluefaced Leicester Tup - F1 Oakhouse, owned by syndicate Neil Marston, Martyn Archer of Carry Hose and Ron and Fran Wilson of Low Tipples. The auction will be carried out by Mitchells Auction House at 4pm on their stand at the Marston’s Millstone Moor Farm.

Stuart Ridley a 25 year old farmer from Tynedale was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in February of this year. Since this time Stu’s fight with this illness has captured the attention of thousands, and the Stay Strong Stu Appeal has taken off. The aim of the appeal is to raise awareness of the illness whilst providing practical support. So far more than £100,000 has been raised with the figure rising daily. Celebrities such as Stephen Fry, Ronan Keating and the Newcastle Falcons rugby team have backed the appeal.

Neil Marston commenting on this one off chance to purchase this sheep semen said: “My two ram syndicates and I have been involved closely with Stu and the Ridley family for many years. From young farmer events to competing against each other at the Highland Show we know them well.”

“It is such a terrible thing to cope with and the way Stu and family have been able to face adversity in such a way, and raise awareness, is humbling. We are so grateful to be able to contribute towards such an amazing appeal, and in a way that has a natural synergy with the Ridley family’s lives.”

Anyone who cannot attend the event but would like to place a bid can do so in advance of the auction by contacting Mitchells Auction Company on 01900 822016. In addition throughout the day on the Mitchells stand people are welcome to make their own donations.

Julie Sedgewick, NSA North Sheep Event Organiser, commenting said: “We are absolutely delighted that Neil Marston, his family and fellow sheep breeders have initiated this fundraising initiative at NSA North Sheep. Not only is it quite literally a unique chance for people to purchase semen from renowned tups, but at the same time it will raise what we hope will be a significant amount of money for the Stay Strong Stu appeal.”

NSA North Sheep is taking place of June 3rd at Neil Marston’s Millstone Moor Farm near Cockermouth. The event is expecting to attract in the region of 7,000 visitors on the day, where they can take a tour of the 650 acre Lakeland farm, and enjoy a range of activities, trade stands and competitions.