23/09/2026
Last Thursday, my dad Robert had just finished what he very proudly described as his “three-day diet.”
By “diet”, I mean three days of trying not to eat quite as much random reduced food as usual and limiting himself to slightly more conservative portions of cake.
Why the sudden health kick?
Because he was determined to squeeze himself into a 30-year-old suit, safely fasten all the buttons and head off to the Farming Life Awards.
Awards nights aren't exactly his usual scene. He was there because, incredibly kindly, one of our Social Farming participants' families had nominated him for the Unsung Hero Award.
And, to be completely truthful, I don't think any of us really expected him to win.
That might sound harsh because, of course, he is a hero in my eyes. But “hero” feels like such a grand title for someone who would never dream of describing himself that way.
Robert is much more likely to describe himself as a mischievous, slightly chaotic, childlike eejit who loves his family, loves animals and has never quite grown out of playing.
And actually, that probably isn't a bad description.
We grew up surrounded by animals, farming, adventures and a dad who never really grew out of having fun. At the time, that was simply normal life to us.
It’s only as I’ve got older, and particularly since working alongside him on the Social Farm, that I’ve begun to realise just how special it was.
I've watched people arrive at Laurel View unsure of themselves and gradually find their place. I've seen my dad give people opportunities others perhaps wouldn't have thought possible, and watched relationships develop between people and animals that are incredibly difficult to put into words.
It has made me realise that so many of the things we grew up taking for granted- animals, fresh air, responsibility, purpose, laughter, getting your hands dirty and having somewhere you belong, can actually be incredibly powerful.
He seems to understand that instinctively.
He also firmly believes in the power of laughter, usually at the expense of the rest of us. He loves a prank, is unorganised, messy and full of mischief, and is a strong believer that sometimes it is better to ask for forgiveness than permission — which probably explains both the number of animals that have appeared on the farm and a fair few adventures (plus accompanying injuries over the years).
But underneath all of that is someone who understands people incredibly well.
My dad has had struggles of his own and speaks openly about his mental health battles. Rather than allowing those experiences to define him, I think they have helped him meet people where they are, without judgement.
He can sit beside someone, have a laugh, find common ground and make them feel comfortable simply being themselves.
He is far from perfect, and I’m confident he would be the first to tell you that, but the mess, mischief, questionable ideas and all those little quirks are part of what makes him Robert. And I think they are also part of what makes him so good at what he does.
So finding out he had won the Farming Life Unsung Hero Award was incredibly special.
Not simply because he had won an award, but because it felt like recognition that the impact we have been lucky enough to see first-hand for years has been noticed beyond our own family and our little corner of Laurel View.
Finally, a massive thank you to Jude, Donna and Greg for taking the time to nominate my dad and share their story. Reading what Laurel View Social Farm has meant to Jude and their family is something we will treasure for a very long time.
Congratulations! Our very own Unsung Hero. 💜
