Great Smeaton YFC held a charity fundraising auction for the Teenage Cancer Trust in memory of club member and good friend Grace Sanderson, who died from Acute Myeloid Leukaemia last October.

More than £15,000 was raised at the event held at the Golden Lion hotel, Northallerton. It was very well attended with generous donations of 65 auction lots. These ranged from holiday stays to ice cream to muck spreader hire, kindly donated by many local companies and individuals, and auctioned by Tim Pennington, together with a fantastic raffle.

The club also received match funding from Barclays Bank of £2,000.

The Northern Farmer: Great Smeaton YFC members

The cheque was presented by members of the YFC to Heather Bowen of the Teenage Cancer Trust at the Newcastle RVI where Grace received her treatment, alongside Grace’s parents, Emma and Phillip, and brother, William.

Emma, Grace's mum, said: "Grace loved being a member of this group and this helped keep her spirits up throughout her treatment. The Teenage Cancer Trust was very close to Grace's heart – the help and support they gave her helped massively and we're all so grateful to them.

The Northern Farmer: Grace Sanderson

"This auction meant a lot to Grace and she even had a hand in sourcing some of the lots available. She was very honoured when she was asked to choose a charity that Great Smeaton Young Farmers would support.

"We are so grateful to everyone who supported the evening coming together to remember our brave and beautiful girl it means so much to us."