In 2018 Blair Vining, from Winton, Southland was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer that had spread to his liver and lungs. He believed that better healthcare could have saved his life. Before he died, Blair campaigned for a national cancer agency, starting a petition that was backed by 140,000 signatures. Soon after, the Cancer Control Agency, Te Aho o Te Kahu, was established.

However Blair, and subsequently his widow Melissa, thought this was only part of the solution. After Blair’s death, Melissa kept the campaign going, and the Southland Charity Hospital Trust was established.

Inspired by this, and also by seeing friends and family members dealing with cancer, in February 2022 PGG Wrightson Wool rep Jared Manihera organised a marathon event, the 24 hour Shear4blair, which raised $200,000 for the Southland Charity Hospital Trust.

Shear4blair showed the great generosity of Southland wool growers, and  Jared quickly realised there was more he, and they could do.

PGG Wrightson is now inviting farmers to donate pre-lamb wool through our wool stores to the Southland Charity Hospital. We aim to acquire 2500 donated bales, which will be sold through PGG Wrightson Wool, with all proceeds going to the Southland Charity Hospital.

For more information, or to donate your wool, contact Jared on 027 226 0263, or speak to your wool rep.