Farmer’s appeal for livestock donations as annual Action Cancer auction returns

L-R: Dee Heron, farmer, member of the Action Cancer Moneyreagh & District Fundraising Group and Skin Cancer Ambassador for the charity pictured with Mark Irwin-Watson, Community Fundraising Executive at Action Cancer.

A County Down farmer who survived skin cancer is appealing to the farming community to donate livestock for an annual charity auction that has already raised tens of thousands of pounds for cancer services across Northern Ireland.

Raffrey farmer Dee Heron, who has volunteered with the Moneyreagh & District Action Cancer Fundraising Group for more than 30 years, is organising a ewe breeding lamb auction at Saintfield Livestock Mart on Friday 4 September.

After the event raised an astonishing £29,600 last year, organisers are hoping local farmers will once again donate animals to help fund Action Cancer’s prevention, early detection and support services.

Appeal for farming community support

Mr Heron, who is also an Action Cancer Skin Cancer Ambassador, is organising the auction alongside his family with the support of auctioneer Geoffrey Murphy and Saintfield Livestock Mart.

He said the event depends entirely on the generosity of farmers willing to donate livestock.

“I am delighted to be organising another auction, with the support of auctioneer Geoffrey Murphy and Saintfield Mart. All money raised stays in Northern Ireland and goes towards the charity’s cancer support services. However, we can’t hold an auction without the livestock so I am appealing to any farmers, local or otherwise to consider donating to the event.”

Cancer survivor highlights importance of early detection

Mr Heron knows personally why the charity’s work matters.

Having spent his working life outdoors, he was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2008 after a suspicious mole on his spine was identified.

Thankfully, the cancer was detected early and successfully treated.

He is now encouraging others who work outdoors to take sun safety seriously and to seek medical advice if they notice changes to their skin.

“I have worked outdoors all my life and when I was a young lad making hay at 10 years old, it was shirts off running around the field thinking it was great! We didn’t have any sun cream on and there was no protection.

“I was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2008 after a mole on my spine looked suspicious. Thankfully, it was caught early and I’m now cancer free.

“I would encourage anyone who works outdoors to ensure they protect themselves in the sun, keep covered up and wear sun cream. If you have any moles, keep a close eye on them and if there are any noticeable changes, contact your GP because early detection saves lives.”

Record-breaking fundraising

Action Cancer says the auction has become one of the area’s standout fundraising events.

Community Fundraising Executive Mark Irwin-Watson said the amount raised last year exceeded all expectations.

“The auction in 2024 raised an incredible £18,215 but to raise £29,600 in 2025 was just unbelievable.

“As always, we are truly indebted to Dee, staff at Saintfield Livestock Mart, and everyone who made donations, and bid on the animals. We could never have anticipated the event raising such a significant amount of money and are truly grateful to all involved.”

The money raised will help Action Cancer continue providing free cancer prevention, early detection and support services across Northern Ireland.

Among those services is the charity’s Big Bus, which visits up to 175 locations each year, including rural communities and areas experiencing greater health inequalities, offering breast cancer screening and health checks.

Supporting vital local services

Action Cancer has been supporting people across Northern Ireland for more than 50 years. Although its services are free to those who use them, the charity says they cost around £4 million each year to deliver.

These include breast screening, therapeutic support for people living with cancer and their families, and health improvement programmes delivered from Action Cancer House in Belfast, 15 regional locations and aboard the Big Bus.

Mr Irwin-Watson also paid tribute to the long-standing commitment of the Moneyreagh & District Action Cancer Fundraising Group.

“The Moneyreagh & District Group was formed in 1978, three years after Action Cancer was established, and has been raising money for the charity ever since.

“The volunteers dedicate a tremendous amount of time and effort fundraising for the charity and have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds over the years. We are beyond grateful to Dee and Valerie Heron and everyone involved with the Moneyreagh & District Action Cancer Fundraising Group.

“Action Cancer receives no regular government funding so support like this is vital to our work and ensures we can deliver our range of cancer prevention, detection and support services.”

Farmers wishing to donate livestock or find out more can contact Dee Heron on 07803 906978 or email valerieheron@live.co.uk.

As preparations continue for the September auction, organisers hope another strong show of support from the farming community will help ensure more people across Northern Ireland can continue accessing life-saving cancer services free of charge.