Farmers say thank you to good neighbours (From Gazette & Herald)

Farmers say thank you to good neighbours

2:35pm Thursday 26th January 2012 in Farming news

A COUPLE who have been overwhelmed by villagers’ kindness while both have been seriously ill have given a big thank you to everyone who has helped them.

Farmer Chris Mudd and teacher Jackie Gray, of West End Farm, Brompton-by- Sawdon, say they have been inundated with offers of help after both were taken ill – Jackie with a pulmonary embolism and Chris with tumours on a kidney.

Jackie said: “The people of Brompton have been absolutely marvellous – nothing has been too much trouble.”

Some have helped look after their flock of 200 ewes, many of which are now lambing, while others have helped with the poultry, house cleaning, shopping and given the couple lifts to Hull Royal Infirmary and Scarborough Hospital for their treatment.

“Everyone has been so fantastic,”

she said. “I came to the village 10 years ago not knowing anyone and now I know everyone.”

They have had numerous regular visitors, some of whom have taken their dogs for walks and taken books, CDs and flowers to their home.

“I can't praise them all enough,” said Jackie, who is on the parish council, and Chris, a member of a wellknown farming family and cricketer.

Jackie said: “We've had logs provided, kindling chopped and farmers have helped by providing us with straw and haylage. But they’ve also been shoulders for us to lean and cry on. The friendship in the community has had to be seen to be believed. We have never felt alone. Hopefully, we are both now making progress.”

A family friend said: “Chris and Jackie are so well thought of in the Brompton area. It is a wonderful example of village life at its very best – everyone looking out for each other.”