Farming minister drives tractor to parliament as part of mental health campaign

Covering 2,000 miles from John O’Groats to Land’s End, the relay was set up to shine a spotlight on how mental health can affect those in rural communities.

It comes as the Farm Safety Foundation’s recent survey of 450 UK farmers under the age of 40 and found that poor mental health is one of the biggest hidden problems facing the industry today, with 94% of respondents agreeing with the statement, up from 84% three years ago.

Len’s Light was launched in June this year by Lynda and Andy Eadon in memory of their son Len Eadon who took his own life in January 2022, and is working with the Farming Community Network, Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) and Papyrus to raise awareness and funds to support farmers’ mental health.

Commenting on the tractor drive, farming minister Mark Spencer said: “It’s hugely important that we raise awareness of the mental health impacts in farming and rural communities and I’d like to pay tribute to all those charities and individuals, including Lynda and Andy, who are working tirelessly to bring this to light.”

He added the government will continue to work with charities such as the Farm Safety Foundation and Yellow Wellies to ensure farmers can access the support they need. Rural mental health and wellbeing are also a top priority in the government’s Future Farming Resilience Fund, which provides free business support to farmers and land managers in England.

Len’s Light founders Andy and Lynda Eadon added: “Len’s Light is a nationwide journey reaching out to everyone in the rural community with the message that no one in the rural community should feel isolated and alone.

“With the help of everyone, we will continue to talk about positive mental health in the rural community which hinges around talking, listening and honesty.”

The Len’s Light Tractor Relay began at John O’Groats on 20th June, featuring a specially designed beacon on the front of the tractor lighting up the route.

The relay has stopped at livestock markets and machinery depots around the UK to spark conversations around mental health with farmers and others living in rural communities, as well as raising awareness at large agricultural events including the Royal Highland Show. The final leg of the relay will take place at Land’s End on 23rd July.

From left to right: Mark Spencer MP, Andy Eadon, Lynda Eadon, NFU President Minette Batters, Sir Jeremy Wright MP. Source: Defra

Praise for Len’s Light Tractor Relay

Several organisations that have worked with Len’s Light to bring the impactful tractor relay to life have praised the work of Andy and Lynda Eadon who have gone through great lengths to help those in need despite having suffered a debilitating tragedy.

NFU president Minette Batters highlighted the need for the farming community to talk openly about mental health and initiate conversations around the topic with neighbours, friends and family.

She said: “I applaud the bravery of Andy and Lynda Eadon who have worked so tirelessly to shine a light on achieving positive mental health in farming and rural communities.

“The Len’s Light tractor relay is an extraordinary and emotional journey by a couple who are determined to make a difference to mental health and wellbeing. On behalf of the NFU we wish them all the very best on their onward journey.”

Stephanie Berkeley, manager of the Farm Safety Foundation, added: “Initiatives like this by Lynda and Andy – under the most tragic of circumstances – really do make a difference.  We are so grateful to them and admire them for the hard work and pure determination that making this journey through the country will help raise awareness and prevent another farming family going through the worst of tragedies.”

Ged Flynn, chief executive of the national charity PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide, also extended his thanks to the couple and all those supporting the Len’s Light campaign.

“Their event is raising valuable awareness of suicide prevention which in turn will help us to continue giving hope to young people who are struggling with life.”

Last but not least, Dr Jude McCann, CEO of The Farming Community Network, commented: “Andy and Lynda and the Len’s Light campaign are carrying a vital message of support that is resonating with farmers and people living in rural communities across the UK.

“None of us should feel alone – we are part of a supportive community that is here to listen, support and help.”

She urged farmers who are struggling to reach out to FCN’s confidential helpline that operates every day of the year on 03000 111 999 or help@fcn.org.uk.