TWO young cows are being auctioned tomorrow as part of a campaign that has already raised thousands of pounds for Cancer Research UK.

One of the heifers is owned by New Forest commoner Katie Ferrett, whose uncle has been diagnosed with cancer and needs a major operation.

HGV driver Rob Ferrett, 65, of Hamble, is due to have surgery at University Hospital Southampton next week.

Katie has launched a fundraising campaign which has already netted £7,638. The sum will be added to the amount raised by the auction, plus the proceeds from the online sale of two donkeys.

Three livestock embryos donated by Dave Coombes, of Cedar Farm vets in Ringwood, were auctioned yesterday and fetched £500.

Mark Ferrett, who is Rob's brother and Katie's father, is hoping the fundraising campaign will raise more than £10,000.

He said: "Rob has a lovely wife and three lovely children. He was only five months from retirement when he was diagnosed with cancer, something which really really beat me up.

"We're not just brothers, we're best mates. One of the heifers being auctioned is called Hope because we hope Rob is going to be OK."

Mark has taken to social media to thank all the people who have supported the fundraising campaign so far.

He said: "Even if we stopped today we'd have £7,638 in the kitty. It's a marvellous achievement by you lot. We're extremely grateful and so are the people from Cancer Research."

The two heifers, one of which is owned by Winchester farmer Tom Comley, are being sold at a livestock market at Frome, Somerset, tomorrow.

Looking ahead to the auction and other fundraising events taking place Mark said: "Let's make this week very special."

To donate visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cowleaze-farm