Tributes paid to young farmer, 25, who took his own life at Blackpool event

Tributes have been paid to a young farmer who took his own life while attending a young farmers gathering in Blackpool over the bank holiday weekend.

Sam Davies, 25, from Llangedwyn village in Wales, joined thousands of other young farmers for the informal meeting in the seaside town, which took place from 29 April-2 May.

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The three-day “DIY AGM” is held in place of the annual convention, which was scrapped by the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs due to antisocial behaviour at the 2018 event.

Sam was attending the gathering with other young farmers who had travelled from Wales.

Yorkshire young farmer and AGM organiser John Houseman said he had spoken to Sam’s girlfriend, who is in contact with the family.

“She said they are completely distraught. It is awful. I don’t know his circumstances, something has gone wrong and it is very sad,” Mr Houseman told Farmers Weekly.

“The whole reason I started our AGM was to carry on having farmers meet up together and give people the opportunity to blow off some steam and have fun together.”

Tributes have been paid to Sam on the event’s Facebook page.

One farmer wrote: “Sad news to hear and I’m sure everyone’s thoughts go out to the family and friends of our fellow young farmer. Remember it’s OK to not be OK and always speak to someone.”

The AGM has raised £16,000 for charity. Mr Houseman said a third of the cash will be donated to mental health charity Mind, in memory of Sam.

The rest will be split between RNLI Blackpool and Air Ambulances UK.