A RACE day is to be held in tribute to a much-loved Herefordshire farmer.

Richard Layton, who ran Dewdales Hope Farm in Bodenham near Leominster, tragically took his own life in 2023.

His family, along with an army of supporters, will be holding a special event in his memory, to support vital charities that serve Herefordshire farmers and beyond.

Seven Herefordshire farmers took their own lives in 2023 alone, and his family have said that the terrifying statistic underlines the fact that there is a mental health crisis in the agricultural community, right on our doorstep.

Mr Layton was just 53 when he took his own life in March last year, after a lengthy mental health battle.

Around 800 people attended a service for the popular Herefordshire farmer, and heard how he would light up a room with his presence. But, sadly, he was gripped by depression, and despite being able to talk about it, could not carry on. 

His wife Marie-Louise, son George and daughter Lily are now determined to raise awareness and support those in the local Herefordshire farming community who may similarly be suffering from anxiety, loneliness and depression.

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Sadly the situation has also affected the wider family, as Marie-Louise’s cousins and Wye Valley Group founders, Sue and Andrew Howell, also suffered a similar tragedy. Their elder brother, Robert, was just 27 when he took his own life.

The group has now come together to form charity race days, and is hosting the event in November in a bid to try and raise as much money as possible for three deserving charities.

One of the dedicated charities is We Are Farming Minds, which helps to raise mental health awareness in the rural communities of Herefordshire and support the wellbeing of farmers. 

The charity was founded by Sam and Emily Stables, and aims to reach out to the farming community to break down stigma, open up support and say to every farmer "you are not alone".

The charity provides 24-hour support for those in need, and offers funding for professional counselling if required, mental health training to individuals and professionals in the farming community.

The charity has said that poor mental health in farming is 46 per cent higher than in other occupations, yet rural communities have less access to support.

The important service also compiles resources and advice for further help, and hosts social events to combat isolation and bring farmers together. The charity offers reassurance through personal experience and helps to reinforce to affected individuals that things "can and will get better", whilst offering a befriending service for people who are lonely or isolated.

The heart-warming event in honour of Mr Layton will be held at Hereford Racecourse on November 27, and promises to be a "fantastic pre-Christmas afternoon’s sport", and keen attendees are being invited to do their bit for "‘making mental health the front runner".

The day will be shown live on Sky Sports Racing, and as well as providing crucial fundraising for We Are Farming Minds, donations and purchases will also go towards Midlands Air Ambulance, and the Injured Jockey's Fund.

Eager supporters can choose from donating to the raffle and auction prizes, or advertising their business on banners, or in the popular publication, The Racecard. Those interested in making a purchase or monetary donation are asked to contact Marie-Louise Layton, at: dewdales@btconnect.com or on 07818 576873.

If you are a Herefordshire farmer or you are concerned about someone you know and want someone to talk to, you can call the We Are Farming Minds 24/7 helpline on 0808 802 0070 or text 07786 203130.