The star of Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales has expressed deep gratitude to fans after receiving an outpouring of support following an emotional episode.
Emotional Episode on Channel 5
In a recent episode of the Channel 5 series, Sonny and Capper, friends of the young farmer, spoke openly about their mental health struggles. The pair became tearful as they paid tribute to friends they have lost and discussed the grief and challenging times they have faced from a young age.
They also decided to raise funds for a men's mental health charity, acknowledging the support they have needed in recent years.
Sonny's Message to Fans
Taking to Instagram, Sonny shared a clip with his followers, saying: "Hope you all enjoyed last night's show, just coming on here today to say a big thank you for all the support we've had and helping raise for men's mental health. If you haven't already donated, use the link down below. Every little bit helps. Thank you very much from me and Capper and the team."
He was inundated with messages of support. One fan commented: "What an amazing inspiration you both are! Well done for helping others after speaking out it's not easy! Absolutely love the series and the special bond you all have along with the highs and lows best show on tv!"
Another wrote: "Absolute breath of fresh air, what a great series, you are all such lovely hardworking, but funny with it, people. Your families must be so proud of you cos most of us watching are."
A third said: "Sooo proud of you Sonny and Kapper. Talking about your losses on camera was sooo brave and I'm sure will help sooo many people. Love this series and really miss it when it's not on. Fantastic team."
Someone else added: "So proud of you. Watched last night's programme. You had my eyes leaking." Another said: "Don't know you personally but last night's episode was a credit to you both your amazing young people keep smiling."
Capper's Heartbreaking Story
Earlier this week on Life in the Dales, Capper opened up, saying: "When you lose someone, it's hard. It's not nice, so you need somewhere to be where you can just have a moment to yourself."
He continued: "We've both been through it, we've dealt with mourning of family members and best friends. I first dealt with it when I was seven years old, and my best friend when I was 16. He was only 18 when he passed. My pal died in a road accident and I was with him 20 minutes before he died. It was a right wet night, it was horrible. He drove there and never made it back home. About half an hour later, I got the phone call... it was nasty. He was there and then he's not."
He went on to express his gratitude to Sonny and their mutual friends for their support, before Sonny became visibly emotional while remembering his close friend.
Sonny's Tribute to His Friend
Sonny shared: "I lost my pal, unfortunately to suicide." Wiping away tears, he went on: "He was like a brother, I was speaking to him the night before, got the phone call the next morning. They couldn't bring him back."
Capper responded: "It's ok to not be ok, everyone has their battles and I'm very lucky I've got you boys."
Reflecting on their charitable endeavour, Capper went on to say: "I think our pals would be proud of us."
Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales airs Tuesdays at 8pm on Channel 5.
