A project to raise funds for Bay Search & Rescue has been sabotaged, before it has even been launched, after one of the prototype fiberglass sheep was stolen from outside the Cavendish Arms on Saturday night.
Cartmel - Sheepy Village Trail is a local fundraising initiative devised by traders, which was due to be launched this week.
Local businesses, community groups and schools were going to be invited to get involved in the creation of a Sheep Trail around the village of Cartmel, where visitors would be encouraged to look for the colourfully painted life-size fiberglass sheep.
Local businesses have already shown their support for the project by purchasing and sponsoring five prototype sheep, so the project organisers were devastated to find that the first bright yellow sheep (worth £100) had been stolen from outside the Cavendish Arms. Ten A3 size laminated promotional signs have also gone missing from outside businesses in Cartmel, valued at £50.
The fundraising project was devised in recognition of the work the Flookburgh based charity, Bay Search & Rescue, have been doing during the floods that saw their team deployed to Cockermouth. The charity need money for vital pieces of rescue equipment and it is hoped that the Sheepy Village Trail, which is scheduled to run from June - July 2010, would greatly add to their funds, and hopefully become an annual event. The event that was to involve the whole community will culminate in an auction, with all the proceeds going to Bay Search & Rescue.
An email 'ransom' letter has been received from an address lostsheepy1@btinternet.com and it is not known whether this is a prank that has got out of hand or a more malicious attempt to sabotage a community focussed charity event before it has even started. A copy of the 'ransom' note is attached to this release.
The police have been informed of the theft and anyone with information that will lead to the return of the sheep is asked to come forward.
"Whether this is a prank or something more serious, the organisers are determined to move the project forward and are working with Bay Search and Rescue to make sure the fundraising does not suffer after this setback." Richard English, Cavendish Arms.
Any businesses or individuals wanting to get involved with the fundraising project can do so by contacting Richard English on 01539536240
