More than £5,000 has been raised for Isle Stand Up To Suicide in memory of a young Manx farmer who died after struggling with his mental health.

The money was raised through a charity auction held as part of the annual Ballaglonney Sheep Sale, in honour of 24-year-old Harry Gillings.

Harry died suddenly in October last year. He was a well-known and popular figure within the island’s farming community and had worked in agriculture and the leisure industry before becoming an administrator.

He was also a devoted supporter of Ramsey Football Club and enjoyed horse riding.

Sheep will go under the hammer in memory of much-loved farmer Harry Gillings, raising funds for Isle Stand Up To Suicide and highlighting the importance of looking after one another
Sheep went under the hammer in memory of much-loved farmer Harry Gillings, raising funds for Isle Stand Up To Suicide and highlighting the importance of looking after one another (Ballaglonney Cooilingel )

The fundraising idea came from Donna Grant, who donated two Dutch Spotted ewe lambs to be sold in Harry’s memory. Danny Creer also offered two Scottish Blackface ewes for the auction.

The animals were sold through an initial syndicate, with members of the farming community then contributing to the fundraising effort.

Ballaglonney Cooilingel has now presented a cheque for £5,000 to charity Isle Stand Up To Suicide.

In a post on social media, the organisation said: ‘We were over the moon to raise £5,000 in honour of our dear friend Harry Gillings.’

Harry’s family and friends attended the cheque presentation, which the organisers described as a special occasion held in his memory.

The organisers thanked everyone involved, including those who donated to the initial syndicate, those who bought the sheep and Crosby Pub for providing food for the event.

Isle Stand Up To Suicide was chosen as the beneficiary after Harry’s family had previously selected the charity for fundraising in his honour.

The fundraiser also continues a wider conversation about mental health within the farming community.

When the auction was announced, Donna said: ‘Farmers are struggling. Farmers are taking their lives. Farmers need help as well.’

She added: ‘Really do check on your friends, reply to their texts, return a missed phone call, pop in by on the off chance.’