Aaron’s mum and stepdad, Nicola and Andrew Bell-Percy, set up the unique event because, as sheep farmers and shearing enthusiasts, sheep are a big part of their lives. Aaron and his brother Luke, aged 12, got into sheep handling and showing from a young age, so a sheep-themed fundraiser was a fitting tribute.
Andrew led the mammoth challenge, shearing sheep for a total of 24 hours over a 32-hour period. Luke joined in the action too, completing a junior mini-Shearathon in memory of his beloved elder brother and shearing an incredible 101 sheep in just four hours.
The event was held at the Bell-Percy’s farm near Masham on Friday 31 July and Saturday 1 August, and drew crowds from the local community.
As well as cheering on the shearers through the back-breaking challenge, supporters enjoyed activities and entertainment, including a speed shear competition, an auctioneer competition, live music, food and drink and a merchandise sale.
Aaron's brother Luke completing a junior mini-Shearathon, shearing 101 sheep in just four hours.
Several local businesses and organisations generously supported the event, and an online auction that ran for a week afterwards boosted the fundraising. The farmers who supplied the sheep donated all of the wool too, which will contribute to the total amount.
Nicola said: “The Shearathon was a huge challenge for Luke and Andy, and I know Aaron was with them every step of the way. He was always full of determination and that shone through in them both. Tears flowed from the first sheep to the last – it was truly inspirational to watch.”
At the time of writing, the tally stands at over £30,000, with money still to come in. The total raised will be shared between Brake, the UK Sepsis Trust and Papyrus, a young person’s suicide prevention charity.
Brake's development manager, Imogen Grylls, went along to throw her support behind Shear Aware. She said: "It was impossible not to be inspired by the incredible sense of community and the sheer effort that went into making the Shearathon such a success.
“Watching the emotional finale, as the total reached an astonishing 3,709 sheep sheared in just 24 hours, was a powerful reminder of what people can achieve when they push through exhaustion and adversity, never losing sight of why they started.
"For every shearer, volunteer and supporter, that 'why' was raising money and awareness for three charities that mean so much to the local community. At Brake, we're incredibly grateful to everyone who played a part. Their generosity and determination will help us continue our vital work supporting road victims and campaigning to make roads safer for everyone."
Aaron’s mum and Shear Aware organiser Nicola Bell-Percy (pictured above) was supported by Brake following Aaron’s death and wanted to give something back in return.
She added: “It is very important to us a family that we support Brake. They were there for us in our darkest days, supporting us through grief, trauma and a complicated and unfair justice system. Brake has given us the strength to do what we are doing today. Fundraising helps with our mission to raise awareness so no other family has to go through what we have and will for the rest of our lives.”
Thank you to Nicola, Andrew, Luke, and everyone who contributed to making the event a success.
Read about how Brake helped her cope in the aftermath of her tragic loss here.
If the Shearathon has inspired you to raise money for Brake, click here to find out more.