TWO Sark teenagers have smashed their fundraising target to revive the island’s dairy – raising more than £5,300 and winning the backing of hundreds of supporters.
Cerys and Harry Knight, aged just 16 and 15, originally set out to raise £1,500 to buy a Guernsey milking cow and begin building a herd.
“Not only will this help set us up in business, but it will also mean the Sark Dairy is re-opened, the land is managed, and we can help promote Sark as a tourist destination,” the pair explained on their JustGiving page.
“This has been our dream since we were tiny. Although we are young, we are dedicated, hard-working, and enthusiastic.
“We love our island home and want to continue the long tradition of amazing Sark dairy produce. Your support can make this dream a reality.”
Sark Dairy closed earlier this year when the previous tenants returned to the UK.
Jason and Katherine Salisbury had moved to the island in 2021 after the tenancy was advertised the previous year.
They crowdfunded themselves to raise money to build an actual dairy.
When they left the island, Mr and Mrs Salisbury said they had suffered a substantial financial loss – totalling around £60,000 – during their four years running Sark Dairy.
Messages of support for the two youngsters hoping to resurrect the farm have been flooding in via their Justgiving page.
“It’s so inspiring to see young people showing initiative and stepping in to provide a much needed service in Sark. Well done and good luck!” wrote Danielle Bennett.
Toby Williams wrote: “I hope the adage ‘from small beginnings’ is true for you and the Dairy Trust and the local community give you support. You have the enthusiasm! Best of luck, because you need a bit of that too.”
