An Oxfordshire farmer has qualified through the English Open Shearing circuit as a member of the England team for the World Shearing Championships despite losing his 3-year-old daughter to mitochondrial disease.
Stuart Connor, from Banbury, has qualified as a member of the England team for the Championships to be held in France next year in spite of a year of personal tragedy - losing his daughter Grace.
Stuart and his wife, Kira, are British Wool producers who have also been shearing sheep since 2003.
He only started competitive shearing in 2017, after attending a number of courses run by British Wool to give himself a competitive edge.
This is the first time he has qualified for the World Championships, which he said would have delighted Grace.
Stuart said his daughter loved everything sheep-related: “She would go to shearing shows with enthusiasm, and love every second, so I wanted to do this for her.”
“Despite her not being here now to enjoy these moments, I pushed on with attending the shows for her,” he added.
All his hard work, dedication, determination and training has paid off, with Stuart winning the 2018 Open Shearing English Shearing Circuit.
“Two people qualify for the World Championships - the first is the winner of the English National Championship, which was held at the Royal Bath and West earlier this year,” he explained.
“I missed out by 0.1 points so I put everything into the circuit events, whereby you attend at least 6 out of 9 competitions throughout the year, and score points.
“I attended all 9, with the final event being the Great Yorkshire Show in July where I was announced the winner and qualifier for the World Championships,” Stuart added.
'Cruellest hand'
Stuart said the start of 2018 dealt them, as a family, the "cruellest hand it could".
“However, we stayed strong and have had a lot of support from much needed family, friends and the farming community,” he said.
“They have not only helped and encouraged me through the shearing competitions, but more significantly given us massive support raising funds and awareness for the charity, The Lily Foundation.”
The Foundation funds research into mitochondrial disease and offers invaluable advice and help for families affected by this very serious genetic condition that can affect any person at any time in their life.
Stuart and Kira have already raised over £12,000 through their Just Giving page, which hopes to make a difference to people’s lives.
“We want to help others in honour of Grace and help towards finding a cure. We have several events planned for the coming weeks including a fundraising disco, an obstacle course run and a half marathon,” Stuart said.
Gareth Jones, British Wool Producer Communications Manager, added: “We want to express huge congratulations to Stuart, in qualifying to represent his country under extremely difficult personal circumstances, and wish him every success."
"It is a fitting tribute to his daughter Grace and shows his dedication to her to persevere with competition despite his grief. What a remarkable man to be able to do this, and an amazing personal accomplishment. We would encourage everyone to support Stuart and Kira's appeal in little Grace's memory."
