The parents of a young farmer, who took his own life on New Year’s Day in 2022, were met with applause at the launch of a campaign to bring awareness to suicide prevention in rural communities.
Lynda and Andy Eadon from Warwickshire launched their campaign Len’s Light at the Kenilworth Agricultural Show last weekend in memory of their son, Len.
Andy completed a lap of honour in his tractor around the show’s main event ring to a round of applause from show attendees for the couple’s work in raising awareness of suicide prevention.
Lynda said: “It is so important that everyone talks openly about how they are really feeling and to reach out for help when it is needed.
“People need to be willing to really listen to these conversations and to pick up on any concerns”.
Tractor driving
An event space at the show called Len’s Village allowed people to take part in fun, farming-based competitions, talk about mental health in their communities and find out about supports available.
The event raised more than £9,000 for charities, including PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide and marks the start of a wider campaign which will see Andy Eadon drive a tractor from John O’Groats to Land’s End from June 20th – June 20th.
He will pass through agricultural shows and rural communities along the way to start conversations about suicide prevention in farming.
A beacon of light will be attached to the front of the tractor as a symbol of hope.
The couple also plans to launch an online petition to make mental health and farm safety statuary in all land-based agricultural colleges and universities.
Talk openly about mental health
PAPYRUS community development officer, Jenny Simpson said:
“It was a pleasure to be part of Len’s Village at the Kenilworth Show this year.”
“There was a real buzz in the area, and it encouraged young people from rural and farming communities to come together, share a laugh and talk openly about their mental health and lived experiences.”
“Lynda and Andy are wonderful advocates of PAPYRUS, encouraging young people to speak openly and reach out for help if they are struggling.”
“They also raise vital funds that help our HOPELINE247 to operate and provide support to those struggling with thoughts of suicide.
“We know those in rural and farming communities can be at greater risk of dying by suicide, and the awareness raising that Lynda and Andy are doing will help to save young lives,” Simpson concluded.
Support Len’s Light.
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