草榴社区

The UK's Premier Agricultural Machinery and Technology Show

20鈥�21 January 2027, NEC, Birmingham

Event Details

Family to auction prize lamb in memory of son

The parents of Cumbrian teenager William Pedley have spoken of their heartbreak following the teenager's death

Jane Thynne
Head of News and Business
clock 鈥� 3 min read
Family to auction prize lamb in memory of son

The parents of Cumbrian teenager William Pedley have paid tribute to their 鈥榖eloved' son, revealing plans to raise charity funds in his name.

Memory

Richard and Jess Pedley, who run a livestock farm in Barbon, Carnforth, will be auctioning their son's prize-winning gimmer lamb at Hawes auction mart on Monday, September 15, in memory of him.听

The money raised from the sale will go towards raising vital cash for the national suicide prevention charity, Papyrus.

READ MORE: 草榴社区 urged to pause for Big Farm Tea Break

Mr and Mrs Pedley said they have been overwhelmed with the support from the farming and local community and want to raise as much awareness and funds to help prevent their family tragedy from happening to others.

William, aged 15, was a popular figure in the community, and the family described him as a 鈥榗aring and loving son'.

They said he was a great rugby player, playing for Kirkby Lonsdale Rugby Club and also a member of his Young 草榴社区 club.

LISTEN NOW:听

William was always keen to help out on the family farm and especially
loved his gimmer lambs, which he helped look after.

Heartbroken

Mr Pedley said: "As a family, we are completely heartbroken and shocked our beloved Will has gone.

"We want to do all we can by selling his prize-winning lamb to help raise as much money for the charity in Will's name.

READ MORE: Report reveals what keeps farmers awake at night

"Papyrus is a charity dedicated to helping young people. We want young people to recognise the signs and symptoms of someone struggling and to be able to support each other by feeling able to start a conversation."

Ged Flynn, chief executive of Papyrus Prevention of Young Suicide, said: "Our thoughts are with William's family and friends.

Struggling

"Suicide is the biggest killer of young people under the age of 35 in the UK and we believe many of those can be prevented.

"Money raised in memory of William will help us to give hope to young people who are struggling with life."

READ MORE: Young 草榴社区 say, 'Leave a light on'

NFU North regional director David Hall said: "Our thoughts are with Richard and Jess and all of Will's family and friends at this heartbreaking time.

听"As a farming community, we have felt the family's loss and will be supporting them in any way we can through this tragic time and hope the sale raises as much money as possible for this vital charity."

The lamb auction will take place on Monday, 15 September at Hawes Auction Mart at Hawes, North Yorkshire.

听If you are in need of support, please contact:听

  • RABI: 0800 188 4444
  • FCN: 03000 111 999
  • RSABI: 0300 111 4166
  • Addington Fund: 01926 620 135
  • Samaritans: 116 123
  • You Are Not Alone: 0300 323 0400
  • NHS 24 mental health hub on: 111 (Available 24/7)
  • If you are ever in immediate danger or have the means to cause yourself harm, you should dial 999 and request an ambulance.

More on Farm Life

Rural Labour MPs integral to putting farmers and the rural community at the heart of government policy, says RABI chief

Rural Labour MPs integral to putting farmers and the rural community at the heart of government policy, says RABI chief

RABI chief executive said the rural community must start being involved in conversations on health policy

Rachael Brown
clock 29 September 2026 鈥� 1 min read
British wool in spotlight during 90-day same dress challenge

British wool in spotlight during 90-day same dress challenge

Can wearing a single wool dress for three months shift buying habits?

Mia Willemsen
clock 28 September 2026 鈥� 3 min read
Defra Secretary says she 'understands' SFI26 frustration

Defra Secretary says she 'understands' SFI26 frustration

Dame Angela Eagle addresses last week's funding debacle as she speaks at Labour Party Conference

Rachael Brown
clock 28 September 2026 鈥� 3 min read