A highly-admired Powys farmer who has raised more than £120,000 for charity through his pedigree herd of British Blues has been badly injured in an incident involving a bull at a sale.

Llansantffraid farmer Emyr Wigley, who owns The Old Stackyard Blues, was a "very, very lucky man to be alive" after he suffered a broken vertebrae, leg and ribs on Thursday (January 19) and remains in hospital in northern England.

His niece Laura has shared the heartbreaking news today (Friday) that Mr Wigley's much-loved herd will be sold following the decision to close The Old Stackyard Blues.

Mr Wigley is well-known within in the agricultural community in mid Wales and beyond for The Old Stackyard Blues that he established as a tribute to his beloved wife Evelyn who sadly died of cancer in 2016 aged 69. During the past six years, Mr Wigley has raised £121,691 from selling his cattle which has been split between Ovarian Cancer Action and RABI.

"Em was badly injured yesterday whilst dealing with a bull at the sale," Laura shared with The Old Stackyard Blues social media page. "Everyone there - farmers, staff and friends - were fantastic in how they dealt with the situation and my heartfelt gratitude goes to you all.

 

Llansantffraid farmer Emyr Wigley, owner of his beloved Old Stackyard Blues herd that has raised more than £120,000 for Ovarian Cancer Action and RABI.

Llansantffraid farmer Emyr Wigley, owner of his beloved Old Stackyard Blues herd that has raised more than £120,000 for Ovarian Cancer Action and RABI.

Llansantffraid farmer Emyr Wigley with his Old Stackyard Blues herd. Picture by RABI

Llansantffraid farmer Emyr Wigley with his Old Stackyard Blues herd. Picture by RABI

 

"I with Em, if possible, will be arranging a dispersal sale of our very much loved animals. Date will be advertised in due course.

"We will close down The Old Stackyard Blues with a heavy heart but knowing we have made fabulous life long friends and having bred great cattle along the way."

Laura added that more information about the final cattle sale will be announced at a later date.

"He is still in Carlisle A&E - he has a broken vertebrae, leg and ribs - a very very lucky man to be alive after what happened last night.

OTHER NEWS:

"Thank you to everyone that has helped me this morning to pack up and watch my tentative steps at towing a trailer for the first time.

"I cannot thank you all enough for your kind words and thoughts."

In October last year, Mr Wigley was recognised at the Montgomeryshire Agricultural Association presentation dinner where he was rewarded with three awards.

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