Stranraer man raises thousands during world-first

Grant Hurcomb (23), from Stranraer has taken on a unique world-first challenge, by shearing 2,142 sheep in a 50-hour non-stop marathon, in aid of MND Scotland.

Three weeks after going into surgery to have his appendix removed, Grant held his ‘Shear Endurance’ event on High Balyett Farm in Stranraer, where he works as a professional sheep shearer and pregnancy scanner.

The marathon was the centrepiece of the event, which also included a barn dance, featured dog trials, music by local bands, hot food and kids baking stalls. The event raised a total of £27,000 so far, with thousands of pounds still to be counted, with all profits to be split between Cancer Research UK and MND Scotland.

Grant said, “Within my local community there have been a number of families affected by MND, so I chose to help raise money for MND Scotland in memory of those who lost their battle, as well as show my support to the families who have had to live with it.”

“I had previously taken on a 24-hour sheep shearing event in 2015, where I raised over £22,000 for Cancer Research UK and Diabetes UK, as both charities were close to my heart due to my parents being affected.

In 50 hours Grant is estimated to have hauled an average of 54.2 sheep per hour out of their pens, weighting a hefty 129,249 kg.

Grant originally set out to beat his existing record, where he sheared 938 sheep in 24 hours during his ‘Shear24’ charity event in 2015. Despite his recent surgery, this year he managed to reach that number in just 19 hours for the charities.

“I am a sheep shearer and a pregnancy scanner working alongside my dad Bill Hurcomb for Bill Hurcomb Scanning LTD. I also recently started up my own flock of 350 ewes.

“I took on the challenge on my own, but I had the support from my family, my 3 sisters and my mum and dad, as well as my friends. There was also be a number of people behind the scene working with me to make the event go forward.

Iain McWhirter, MND Scotland’s Head of Fundraising and Volunteering, said: “I’d like to congratulate Grant for his incredible achievement during his challenge. Grant’s Shear Endurance managed to raise an incredible £10,000 so far, with half of that total going to support people affected by Motor Neurone Disease.

“It’s very admirable that Grant chose to support MND Scotland on behalf of people in his community who have been affected by MND. The amount he raised could help support 3 people with MND complete essential home adaptations they need to live a comfortable life.

“The amount raised could also fund 5 weeks of our Welfare and Benefits Service, which ensures financial support to people with MND. It’s also enough to support 20 MND Scotland Support Group meetings, where people with MND, and their families, can share experiences and learn about how to access further support.

“MND Scotland couldn’t provide any of this support without incredible people like Grant, so we’d like to offer our heartfelt thanks for all his work.”