GISBURN Young Farmers have been inspired by the dangers of infected ticks to raise money for the charity Lyme Disease UK.

Young farmer, Daniel Duerden has been the catalyst for raising more than £14,000 for the charity in the last six months after catching the disease in 2021.

He was shearing sheep and mid-way through the season he had noticed a rash appear on his arm.

At the time, he felt fine and he mistook the rash for ringworm.

Weeks later his joints started to become sore, and his hand stiffened to the point he had to stop work. Eventually he was diagnosed with Lyme Disease from an infected tick.

Due to the late diagnosis, he is still recovering, but is now committed to raising awareness of the disease.

Eleanor-Rose Wrathall, chair of Gisburn Young Farmers, said: "Each year as a club we donate money raised from our ‘Winter Warmer’ event to charity. This year we were inspired by Daniel Duerden.

"Gisburn Young Farmers along with Gisburn Playing Fields Association and Gisburn Auction Mart made a donation of £1,500 to this worthy charity. Along with Daniel’s determination, we felt this charity was important to support due to many young farmers living and working in the countryside they are susceptible to this disease, as ticks are common in the outdoors."