A pair of sheep will carry special significance when they go under the hammer at an annual Manx sheep sale tomorrow (Tuesday), with proceeds donated in memory of much-loved farmer and shepherd Harry Gillings.
Two Dutch Spotted ewe lambs are being auctioned by Donna Grant, while Danny Creer will offer two Scottish Blackface ewes, with the animals being sold in Harry’s memory to raise money for Isle Stand Up To Suicide.
Harry, 24, died suddenly in October last year after struggling with his mental health.
He was a familiar and popular figure within the island’s farming community, having worked in agriculture and the leisure industry before becoming an administrator. He was also a devoted supporter of Ramsey Football Club and loved horse riding.
His death was deeply felt across the farming industry, where he had built many friendships through his work and passion for agriculture.
The idea for the fundraiser came from Donna, who wanted to select a pair of twin Dutch Spotted ewe lambs.
She said Harry had bought a Dutch Spotted tup from her the previous year and she knew he was fond of the breed.
‘I thought it would be a lovely idea to pick a pair of twin Dutch Spotted ewe lambs,’ she said.
Donna then approached Danny and Paula Creer, who offered the annual Ballaglonney sheep sale as a platform for the fundraiser.
Harry had regularly attended the sale over the years, sometimes working there, buying sheep, spectating or simply supporting those involved.
Aalish Creer said: ‘Harry was often a keen supporter of Manx agriculture and over the years attended the annual Ballaglonney sheep sale; working for us, buying, spectating and supporting.
‘It was Donna’s idea to initially raise funds in his honour and it feels special to have a part of him with us this year.’
Isle Stand Up To Suicide was chosen because Harry’s family had previously selected the charity for fundraising in his honour.
Donna said the response from the farming community had been touching, with phone calls, messages and offers of advice helping her organise the fundraiser.
‘Seeing how the farmers rally round really is a testament to how caring and compassionate our industry is,’ she said.
She hopes the event will also encourage people to talk more openly about mental health.
‘Farmers are struggling. Farmers are taking their lives. Farmers need help as well,’ she said.
‘Farmers have very broad shoulders and will happily take more on. I don’t know a single person that would turn someone away if they were struggling. Ask for help, it is always there.’
Aalish said declining mental health in agriculture was ‘concerning’, adding that the subject remained heavily stigmatised.
The aim, she said, was to start conversations and ‘normalise it more’.
Donna hopes people remember Harry as the ‘kind, funny, gentle man’ he was.
She added: ‘Really do check on your friends, reply to their texts, return a missed phone call, pop in by on the off chance. Don’t live with the "what ifs" because they really are what gets you.’
The Ballaglonney sheep sale takes place tomorrow (Tuesday) at Ballaglonney Farm, Main Road, Crosby, with viewing from 12.30pm and the sale starting at 1.30pm.