Medomsley Bangers 2.19

Medomsley Bangers raises pigs for sausages and pork products.

Due to health issues I have had to refocus my business and at last something positive is coming out of it.

In January 2013 my mother was diagnosed with Mesothelioma, a terminal cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. As a family, we have had amazing support and advice from The Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund (MKMRF) and from the members of the North Tyneside and South Tyneside Mesothelioma Support Groups. The charity and groups were set up by Chris Knighton MBE, along with some ladies, recently widowed, in memory of their husbands who had died from Mesothelioma. At the time there was very little information, help, knowledge, support or research into this disease. They have been extraordinarily successfully; MKMRF has now raised over £1 million for research into new and improved treatments for Mesothelioma. It has created Europe's first Tissue Bank from sufferers of the disease which means Drug Companies and researchers have now access to genetic material to try and develop a cure, or at least better treatments for this always terminal disease. MKMRF has and continues to tirelessly promote awareness of this terrible disease. Additionally it has now just appointed and funded the first Mesothelioma Nurse in the North East - this will have a huge impact for local sufferers.

In February 2015 I was back in hospital for my, to date, 3rd surgery. Whilst waiting for the op, bored and wanting it over and done with, I spent some time on the internet. I discovered two pigs available locally......by the time I came out of recovery, the deal was done for my first pigs. About 3 weeks later a further 6 arrived. Like the first 2, they are all Kune Kune pigs, a New Zealand breed which are ideal for first time pig keepers.

There was some method to my madness as it gave me the opportunity to put into motion the little idea that had been germinating in my mind for some time. By raising the pigs and producing pork products and sausages money from each sale of Medomsley Bangers will be going to the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund.

The pigs are living outside as naturally as possible. I'm operating as low impact, low food miles, sustainable and symbiotically for the benefit of the land, livestock and environment. This also includes the horses, sheep, bees, horticultural, orchard, poultry and vegetable projects - one benefits the other.

My first pig will be going to the sausage factory at the end of April 2015. Please support my new business and in turn support MKRF. Please register your interest and like the page. First batch of sausages are at £3/ per lb. 20% will be donated to MKMRF. They are being butchered at Janet Mckie's High Strothers Butchery on the beautiful Gibside Estate, just in the shadow of the iconic Gibside Chapel.

Many thanks,

David Cottrell