A LOCAL couple are auctioning an in-lamb Texel ewe to help raise money for the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice who supported their family after their son was diagnosed with a rare, neurodegenerative disease.

In 2017, Andrew McFarland – the son of Graham and Joanne McFarland from Trillick, who attends Willowbridge School in Enniskillen – was diagnosed with a variant form of Late Infantile Batten Disease.

“Over the period of a few months Andrew lost the ability to sit unaided, talk, walk or eat, and ended up in PICU with uncontrollable seizures and pneumonia,” explained Joanne, adding: “With many people praying for him and the excellent care of the medical staff, Andrew’s condition stabilised, but there was no possibility of us going home for Christmas.”

At this point, the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice stepped in. After almost two months of hospitalisation, the McFarlands were able to spend Christmas together.

“We were able to spend Christmas together as a family of four, in the care and supervision of doctors, nurses, care assistants and many others, who spent part of their Christmas working, so we wouldn’t spend ours separated,” said Joanne.

Grateful for the support of the Children’s Hospice, the McFarlands are planning a unique fundraiser.

“On January 2, 2021, with kind permission of the sale consignors, we plan to auction an in-lamb ewe at Ballymena Mart,” said Graham, who owns a flock of Drewmar Texels [sheep]. Two home bred in-lamb gimmers by Tamnamoney Big Horn will be presented for sale at Ballymena Mart’s annual sale, the January Gems, with all proceeds being donated to the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.

“Both ewes have been scanned in-lamb to the well-known Knock Yardsman. The winning bidder will have their pick of the two ewes,” said Graham. The family have also set up a JustGiving page to help raise money for the charity. To donate, see: https://tinyurl.com/y66voljd

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