A MAGNIFICENT total of £2,240 was raised when generously donated sheep were sold at Skipton Auction Mart in memory of young Cumbrian farmer Hannah Brown, whose untimely death in March aged just 26 left the agricultural world in deep shock.

For one so young, Hannah had become a well-known and greatly respected figure at Skipton, initially when growing up with her parents, mart regulars and multiple prime lamb champions Martin and Val Brown, when they farmed in Newton-le-Willows, then later in her own right as both a breeder and show winner.

Hannah moved to Dufton in 2019 to live with farming fiancé Ben Richardson, and last August the couple had a daughter, Millie, now nine-months-old.

The lambs were sold during Skipton Auction Mart’s annual May breeding sheep highlight with proceeds going to Eden Valley Young Farmers Club, based in Appleby-in-Westmorland, where it is hoped baby Millie will eventually one day follow in mum’s illustrious footsteps by becoming a member.

First into the sale ring was a Blue Texel gimmer hogg from Hywel Williams, of Llanddeusant in Carmarthenshire, a regular exhibitor and vendor at the annual fixture. It raised £1,360 after being sold, re-offered then resold no less than five times in total.

It first fell for £320 to Will Wildman, of Kirkby Malham, then successively to Robert Atkinson, of Scorton, and Burton Leonard’s Andrew Philips, who each bid £300, followed by Martin and Val Brown, who now farm in Leyburn, at £220, before going home to Gargrave with Karen and David Shuttleworth, again for £220, who have rather aptly given it the name, Millie

Second up was a Swaledale ewe with single lamb donated by Richard Lancaster, of Clitheroe, and the outfit sold three times for £880 in total, first for when £300 purchased by Harry Wood, of Bowland Foods, near Preston, then by CCM Skipton for £280, before heading home to Ravenstonedale in Cumbria with father and son, Ivan and Paul Brown, again for £300.

Ben, Millie and the Browns were present at the sale, joined by Eden Valley YFC president Catherine Chappelhow, chairmanTom Barker, member Warren Porter and Tom’s father, Alan Barker, Cumbria Young Farmers Southern District president.

Hannah was a keen stockwoman, often helping on the North of England Mule Sheep Association (NEMSA) show stand at local and national events.

Social media tributes flowed in with many remembering her as a ‘true legend on the show circuit’, and ‘one in a million’.

A statement from NEMSA Hawes Branch said: “Hannah was raised up full of NEMSA. Her mum Val was branch secretary and dad Martin branch chairman.

“Hannah from a young age loved the Mule sheep, showing her parents’ sheep, and grandad’s, then buying and showing her own with great success. I like to believe there is such a thing as heaven, so God you have gained one true stockperson. All our deepest thoughts go out to all Hannah’s family and friends at this sad time. Hannah you were truly one in a million.”

The Northern Beltex Club said: “We are deeply saddened to hear the heartbreaking news of the passing of Hannah Brown. A life of a young lady taken far too early who frankly could have achieved anything and who has many achievements already under her belt that some could only dream of.

“Her love for sheep and cattle was second to none and her stockmanship skills just some of the best. Her smiling face, loud shout and willingness to help anyone will be missed forever. Our thoughts are with Ben, Millie, Martin and Val at this very sad time. Sleep tight and shine bright.”

The British Limousin Cattle Society said: “She was a bubbly, bright, happy person with a positive competitive streak in cattle showing.”