Local farm shop turns flock pink in tribute to breast cancer awareness month

Look a bit sheepish - all in the name of charity
Look a bit sheepish - all in the name of charity

A Dorset-based farm shop has turned its flock of 70+ sheep bright pink in tribute to breast cancer awareness month.

The Udder Farm Shop near Gillingham will also be selling pink cakes and serving drinks in pink cups at their Deli counter throughout October, with a percentage of all proceeds going to the Breast Care Clinic at Salisbury Hospital.

Farm shop owner Jane Down has a very personal reason for wanting to do her bit to help highlight the cause, as she is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

The Udder Farm Shop is an award-winning farm shop, coffee shop, deli, fishmongers and butchery based on the edge of the Blackmore Vale near Gillingham in North Dorset
The Udder Farm Shop is an award-winning farm shop, coffee shop, deli, fishmongers and butchery based on the edge of the Blackmore Vale near Gillingham in North Dorset

Jane said: “Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the UK - 1 in 8 women will develop it in their lifetime, as I have.

“It’s a horrible and frightening disease but the good news is that, thanks to things like Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the hard work of research organisations and treatment centres, people are catching it early and getting treatment and over 85% now survive breast cancer beyond 5 years.

“We are so grateful for all the support and care provided by the Breast Care Clinic in Salisbury that we wanted to do something to help raise awareness of the disease and to raise some money to support the fantastic work that they do at the hospital.

“If our pink sheep can help to encourage a few more women to check their breasts and if our pink cakes can raise a few pounds for the Clinic, then that’s great.”

The pink sheep can be seen grazing in the fields alongside The Udder Farm Shop and Cafe. Staff will also be participating in ‘Wear it Pink’ day on Friday 21st October.