Young farmer Jack Allott from Barnsley died on January 17 at the age of 15. Sarah Richardson, Jack's mum, said: "The day he died, I was heartbroken and torn to pieces. Jack had so much to live for."
A procession of tractors led a moving and heartwarming display to remember a South Yorkshire young farmer who loved farming.
Farmers, tractors and the community of Barnsley came together en masse to pay tribute to 15-year-old Jack Allott during his funeral on Friday (February 28).
Jack, a young farmer from Darton, died on January 17 after taking his own life.
The Tractors Lads Around Penistone, a group of farmers who attend tractor runs and shows all over the country, issued an appeal to give the young farmer a tribute to be proud of last month after his untimely death in January.
The group organised a procession of tractors to lead Jack's journey to Barnsley Crematorium, where the funeral was held, on Doncaster Road.
It is estimated that around 100 tractors gathered to pay tribute to Jack, who was a Year 10 student at Darton Academy.
Sarah Richardson, Jack's mother, told Farmers Guardian that she was proud of the farming community who paid tribute to her son on the day.
"The feeling of love shown for my son during the procession was incredible," she added.
"The whole Barnsley community came together to give my beautiful son the send-off he deserved. It was special that so many farmers, tractors and people from across the town and afar said their goodbyes to him.
"It was unreal to see the volume of tractors on the day. It shows there are still good people in this world who will help out during difficult times.
"There are many more people that I would like to thank for what they have done for our family including Alpha 1 Event Management who provided assistance with traffic management for free on the day.
"People have so many happy memories of Jack and to share those moments with them on what was a truly difficult day will stay with me forever."
Ms Richardson's father died from cancer just before Christmas, making the last few months 'very painful'.
"After losing my dad just before Christmas to cancer and then Jack in January, it has been the worst few months of my life," she added.
"Dad was also from a farming background, and I know he would be smiling down with Jack to see such a heartwarming tribute.
"The Tractor Lads Around Penistone did a truly amazing job. They are truly wonderful people to remember my boy this way and I will forever be grateful to them for making this happen."
Ms Richardson remembered the passion Jack had for farming and the bright future he was destined to have.
"Jack had so much to live for," she added.
"He was cheeky and witty, but could also be very quiet. He always did the right thing and was a special young lad.
"Jack was caring and absolutely loved farming. Whenever farming was on the news, he gave his opinion and was absolutely distraught about where the industry finds itself in at the moment.
"But he was optimistic and looked forward to a future in farming.
"He wanted to be an agricultural mechanic and take on the family smallholding when he grew up.
"Unfortunately that will never happen."
Jack's passing earlier this year has provoked difficult questions for the family over mental health in the farming community.
"The day he died, I was heartbroken and torn to pieces," Ms Richardson added.
"Knowing he will no longer be here is something we have to live with. But it does not make it any easier.
"We had no idea about the extent to which he was suffering and that he found himself in a position to which he found it difficult to come out of.
"Mental health in farming is such a huge problem. Jack had his mind set on what he was going to do and did it.
"There is also a huge amount of pressure for people to be nicer, more caring and more understanding of others.
"I am angry he is no longer here but I hope he is in a much better place. I will carry Jack with me wherever I go, but words fail to describe the pain and loss of his passing."
John Allott, Jack's father, said what happened to his son was 'tragic'.
"He had such a bright future and we talked about the ways in which he wanted to farm and be part of this industry in the future," Mr Allott added.
"Jack had dreams and aspirations to be a farmer. It is absolutely tragic that he will never be able to fulfil what he was born to be.
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"He really could turn his hand to any job on the farm and was committed to making his mark.
"No job was too big or too small and he could find solutions and helped me out massively on our smallholding with cattle and pigs.
"His passion was repairing and fixing machinery. He was great at it.
"Jack understood how difficult it is to earn a living in farming, but I could see from his hardwork and dedication that he would have made a success of it.
"His passion was tractors. He was obsessed with them like most farm kids are."
Mr Allott said his son's passing was the most 'difficult moment' of his life.
"When he died, it was like a piece of me had died that day," he added.
"As a parent, it is the last thing you expect to hear. It is still hard to make sense that he is no longer here.
"What is really difficult to understand is that we did not know he was struggling. To us, he seemed absolutely fine, but on the inside, he must have been in so much pain.
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"He could be quite shy and quiet but really opened up once he got to know someone.
"We used to go to different farms together in the area and he really opened up during those days.
"Being on-farm was where he was meant to be. It was where he was happiest.
"It is heartbreaking that a life has been taken far too soon."
Mr Allott wanted to thank all the people that turned out to remember his son.
"I nearly broke down on the day," he added.
"The emotion of it all was overwhelming. I was so proud of the Barnsley community and all the farmers that came to remember my son.
"I think it made people understand how difficult and important farming is.
"There is a commonality and brotherhood in farming. When we grieve and when we hurt, we all do it together.
"Knowing that people cared for him was so comforting. I cannot stress how grateful I am.
"Jack was first and foremost my son, but he was also my best friend in life. He was a brilliant lad.
"I am going to miss him every single day."
Mr Allott said there needs to be greater provision to support the mental health of young farmers.
"When people find themselves in a difficult place with their mental health, they make irrational choices and decisions," he added.
"No one should ever feel in a place where they feel there is not a way out or another way to deal with a problem.
"One life taken to suicide is too many. The health of young people is so fragile, and we must do more to give them a helping hand.
"My plea to any young person struggling with their mental health is to please reach out. There is another way."
Joe Spencer, principal at Darton Academy, said: "It is with great sadness that we confirm the loss of a valued member of our school community, Jack Allott.
"Our thoughts are with Jack's family and friends at this difficult time.
"Our Academy is working with partner agencies to support both staff and students in navigating this difficult path."
Kevin Osborne, Barnsley Councillor representing Darfield Ward, provided his reflections on the tractor procession at Barnsley Crematorium.
"What a fantastic turnout of tractors for the funeral of Jack Allott," he added.
"So proud that local Billingley farmer John Crapper and his sons sent a tractor to join the tribute to this young man.
"May he rest in peace."
Mental health support services
Samaritans - 116 123
Farming Community Network - 03000 111 999
PAPYRUS - 0800 068 4141
Talk to Frank - 03001236600
SHOUT - 85258
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