18 year old Jack travels over 1000 miles and raises £7316 for rural charities

(L-R) Ken Nottage, Chief Executive of the Three Counties Society, Malcolm Thomas MBE, Chairman of RABI, Jack Walton, Becky Davies, RABI Regional Manager and Clive Roads, Livestock Auctioneer at McCartneys
(L-R) Ken Nottage, Chief Executive of the Three Counties Society, Malcolm Thomas MBE, Chairman of RABI, Jack Walton, Becky Davies, RABI Regional Manager and Clive Roads, Livestock Auctioneer at McCartneys

In July, 18 year old Jack Walton, a budding auctioneer from Worcestershire, set off on his charity fundraiser, travelling over 1,000 miles, to raise money for two rural charities.

The charities, Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) and RSABI (Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution), received a huge sum of £7316.97.

Two months later with 24 livestock auction marts under the hammer, Jack has finished his travels, his gavel is at rest.

Jack’s journey started at Dingwall and Highlands Livestock Auction Mart in Invernesshire and finished at Truro in Cornwall.

Sponsored by the Three Counties Agricultural Society, his journey has been exhilarating, informative and has raised money for two charities which support the farming communities in times of financial difficulties.

Jack’s Journey began on Tuesday 19th July when he visited Coupled with an exhibition highlighting the work of the two charities, Jack auctioned off one pen of fat lambs with the market’s commission being donated to the fund.

Following his visit to Dingwall, Jack visited 24 auction marts including; Stirling, Hexham, Clitheroe, Worcester, Hereford, Salisbury, Acklington and many more in-between.

'Completely overwhelmed'

Commenting on the completion of his challenge and journey, Jack said: "I am completely overwhelmed with the response I have received throughout the summer.

"I have met the most wonderful people, auctioned some tremendous livestock and I am very grateful to all the marts that have supported me and to everyone who has donated so generously to the charities.

"The last six weeks has been an experience that I will never forget and has certainly cemented what I know are the foundations for a career in auctioneering.

"I would like to thank all of my sponsors including, JG Animal Health, The Three Counties Agricultural Society and Glendale PR and Marketing for their support throughout my journey."

Ken Nottage, Three Counties Chief Executive, said: "What a fantastic and unique idea for raising money for charities which are close to Jack's and our hearts here at Three Counties.

"We are proud to have supported Jack on his journey and the amount he has raised is incredible.

"Congratulations Jack and we wish you all the best for your time at university."

Grandfather inspiration

Inspired by his Grandfather, renowned Suffolk breeder, Michael Walton from Roseden Farm in Northumberland, Jack has always had a keen interest in livestock marketing.

"For as long as I can remember I’ve loved attending livestock marts with my Grandfather and was always itching to have a go on the rostrum.

"My journey not only raised a significant amount of money for charity, but also gave me the opportunity to meet people within the industry and gain knowledge and experience."

This month, Jack will set off on a journey of a different kind as he heads off to the Royal Agricultural University, to read Rural Land Management, with the aim of fulfilling his dreams of one day becoming an auctioneer.