£3230.78 raised at "Len's Light" Charity Evening at Louth Livestock Market
Wed 05 Jul 2023
On Friday 30th June 2023 we held "Len's Light" Charity Evening at Louth Livestock Market with a huge turnout of farmers, vendors, buyers and supporters of the market who joined us, along with Crispin Rolfe of BBC Look North, to welcome Andy and Lynda Eadon on their Len's Light Tractor Relay.
Andy and Lynda are driving from John O'Groats to Lands' End through June and July 2023, in a specially designed John Deere tractor, as they carry 'Len's Light' in memory of their son Len, who tragically took his life at the age of 22.
They aim is to visit as many livestock markets as possible. Andy and Lynda recognise the importance of livestock markets as a place to meet and talk and want to raise awareness that no one in the rural community should feel isolated or alone. We were delighted to support them on their journey raising a phenomenal sum to split between their chosen charities; FCN, Yellow Wellies and Papyrus and our own LRSN.
Despite the weather, the Masons Rural and Louth Livestock Market teams provided a warm welcome with a Hog Roast, Donation Bar, brilliantly taken care of by Louth Young Farmers, and a Charity Auction and Raffle to raise funds for Lynda and Andy's chosen charities - FCN, Yellow Wellies and Papyrus.
Andy and Lynda were keen to support us in including our own local charity Lincolnshire Rural Support Network who do such a brilliant job at our market each week offering health checks, pastoral and practical support for Lincolnshire's farming community. A huge thank you to Sarah Poucher from LRSN for coming along and shining a spotlight on mental health with their own "Time to Talk" initiative.
Thanks to the huge generosity of our community, we were able to raise a total of £3,230.78 to share between all 4 charities.
Our heartfelt thanks go to the donors of all the fabulous Charity Auction Prizes (as well as their buyers):
James Kendall of Lincolnshire Tree Services for a 3 Night Stay in Horizon Barn, Tealby
Pin Gin/Louth Distillery for a Gin Tasting & Tour for Two
Beki Doig of Wild Violet Creative for a Photoshoot on the Farm
Kenwick Park Spa for a Simply Spa Day for Two
Hillside Shooting for an hour shooting lesson including cartridges and clays at Claxby
Catlle foreman Will Rowles for his family's highly prized Bramble Brandy & Strawberry Vodka
Thank you also to everyone who donated such fabulous prizes for the Raffle which included Amy Jobe - £30 Lincoln Russett voucher, a hamper from Lakings of Louth, a Family Day Pass (2 adults, 2 children) from Wolds Wildlife Park, a Clarkson's Farm hamper from Quirkies Cafe in Louth's New Market Hall, 2 tickets to the Lincolnshire Food & Farming Awards on 17th November at the Engine Shed from Stonebow Media/The Lincolnite, Tour for Two donated by Ferry Ales Brewery, Family Show Ticket (2 adults, 2 children) for Lincolnshire Show 2024 from The Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, a numnah and whisky from Philips Animal Health, Fish & Chip Supper for 2 from Grange Farm Park, an Apple Tree from Woodthorpe Garden Centre, a Silver Birch Tree from Crowders, £50 Lakings Voucher from the Gladding Family, 25kg Potatoes from F Simpson & Son and Eggs from Lucy Turner of the Masons Rural team.
During the evening, lots of children decorated old wellies in support of Andy's "Tough As Old Boots" concept to encourage young people to keep talking. Thank you for all welly donations and to the parents who didn't mind letting their children get splattered in paint! If you didn't get chance at the event, have a go at home and start a conversation.
To find out more or to donate:
Follow Len's Light Journey on Live Tracker
Len’s Light Website
Len’s Light Facebook Group