<div>My original intention was to make money from this smallholding but all that changed when five Ryeland sheep (to be known as Molly, Sybil, Minerva, Olympe and Tonks) walked through the gate and trampled all over my heart on the way through!
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<div>From that moment on, this hard-bitten ex-farmer resolved never to eat meat again and never to sell another animal into slaughter.
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<div>I was offered some more girls and my little flock expanded to twelve. This accounted for just about every penny I earned but no matter, I was doing what I wanted to do and loving the life I shared with these wonderful creatures.
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<div>Other people got wind of what I was doing and I was offered more sheep that had come to the end of their breeding lives but who their owners didn't want to send for slaughter (which is what usually happens) and so they came to live with me. I now have fifty five (40 girls and 15 boys) and up until now have been doing a very good impersonation of and Ostrich by ignoring just how much they are costing me.
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<div>I am somewhat old school in that asking people for money does not sit easily with me but I am also a realist and alas, I can no longer ignore the expense. At a conservative estimate they are costing me £250 per week to keep, feed and medicate without any unexpected vet bills and so the amount mentioned above should see them through to the end of winter.
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<div>I have a dedicated Facebook page The Mirkwood Rest Home for Retired Sheep where I will provide a more detailed breakdown of the cost and will account for every single penny anyone is kind enough to send for them. I will also post more photos and videos for your delectation and delight!
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<div>I will certainly be offering individual sheep sponsorships (I have some proper characters) and will be investigating other ways of raising interest and awareness. I am also more than happy for anyone to come and see, feed and cuddle these gorgeous animals but it would have to be by prior arrangement.
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<div>Thank you for reading this and for considering supporting. With your help I will be able to continue to offer these beautiful, gentle, placid animals the twilight years that they truly deserve.
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Denise Bate

HEIDI PERKINS

Ade Searl

Denise Pearson

Jennifer Neave

Anonymous

Sarah Bloomfield

Cara Sutton

Christopher King

Alex Wright

Phil Smith

Sheila Pepper

The Mirkwood Rest Home for Retired Sheep

The Mirkwood Rest Home for Retired Sheep

Still £5,000 to go. Help us build momentum.