A FARMING couple from Napton who lost their son after he took his own life have completed the homecoming leg of a mammoth tractor relay in his name.
Andy and Lynda Eadon’s son Len took his own life on New Year’s Day 2022. Determined to leave a lasting legacy for Len, as well as shining a light on mental health, the couple decided to hit the road on a 2,000 mile, nationwide tractor relay to show that noone should feel alone or isolated in the UK’s rural communities.
Len’s Light, a tractor-front mounted beacon attached to the lead tractor of a multi-vehicle procession, is travelling from county to county from John O’Groats to Lands’ End after its official unveiling at the Kenilworth Show on Saturday June 3.
And on Friday (July 7) the couple marked a poignant moment in their journey by driving the tractor through their home village of Napton.
Residents lined the streets to cheer the couple on in what turned out to be a moving spectacle, as well as an opportunity to raise vital cash and awareness for the charities they have been supporting over the last 18 months – including Farming Community Network, Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) and Papyrus, a charity for the prevention of suicide in young people.
So far nearly £113,000 has been raised via https://leneadon.muchloved.com/
Andy said: “Our goal has always been to leave a legacy for Len, and we hope that Len’s Light will be more than an incredible spectacle, but prompt a wider, ongoing conversation around mental health in agriculture and show that no one has to be alone or isolated.
“If we can stop one family going through what we did and are continuing to go through, then it will have been worth it.”
Lynda added: “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”.
For practical, confidential suicide prevention help and advice contact HOPELINE247 on 0800 068 4141, text 07860 039967 or email [email protected]
