Charlie Beaty: Len’s death has left a void

We talk about “mental health” so much these days that the expression has become something of a buzzword.

But at the start of this year, our local farming community was reminded of the importance of such awareness, when one of our own took his own life.

Len Eadon was just 22, recently graduated, with the world at his feet. He was an absolute gentleman, popular, generous and a complete flirt.

About the author

Charlie Beaty

Harper Adams University graduate Charlie has a keen interest in the livestock sector, being heavily involved in the beef and sheep enterprises at home, as well as the arable and contracting side of things. The 25-year-old is an active member of Warwickshire YFC and loves travelling the world.

Read more articles by Charlie Beaty

The news of his death on New Year’s Day came as a shock to all. Already, it has spurred action here in Warwickshire.

His parents, Andy and Lynda, supported by family, friends and local young farmers, have organised The Len Eadon Family Farming Day on 5 June at Kenilworth Showground.

The event will be full of challenges and competitions – sheep shearing, dog handling, tug-of-war, cake making and more. It’s raising funds for the Farming Community Network (FCN), the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) and another charity, Papyrus.

See also: Video – son’s death leads family to back mental health charity

The day follows on from a number of other similar events, most notably the Berrystock Feeds annual charity rugby match, which was followed by an auction that raised an incredible £17,000 for the Farm Safety Foundation.

A clay shoot and a Rugby Sevens tournament are also planned for the coming weeks.

Len Eadon © Eadon family

As well as this, Warwickshire YFC has pledged to have all 10 clubs complete the NFYFC Rural+ Curve Module by the time harvest rolls around.

This training – developed with the support of the DPJ foundation and FCN and has received funding from the Westminster Foundation – focuses on understanding stress and anxiety, managing personal mental wellbeing, talking about mental health and supporting others.

The aim of these events is to prevent other parents having to go through what Andy and Lynda have been through.

Len’s death has left a void in the lives of many, but he will always be remembered for his generosity, kindness and wicked sense of humour.

To find out more, please visit leneadon.muchloved.com.