A star of Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales has expressed his gratitude to fans following an emotional moment on the show. During an episode of the Channel 5 programme earlier this week, the young farmer's friends, Sonny and Capper, candidly discussed their mental health in a deeply moving scene.
The duo became visibly emotional as they paid tribute to friends they have lost and reflected on the grief and challenging periods they have endured from an early age. They also announced their decision to fundraise for a men's mental health charity, acknowledging the vital support they have required in recent years.
Taking to Instagram, Sonny has now posted a video message to his followers, stating: '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 received an outpouring of support, with one viewer commenting: '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 added: '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 wrote: '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.'
Another viewer commented: 'So proud of you. Watched last night's programme. You had my eyes leaking.'
While a further follower added: 'Don't know you personally but last night's episode was a credit to you both your amazing young people keep smiling.'
During Life in the Dales earlier this week, Capper shared: '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 went on: '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 thank Sonny and their other friends for the support he's had, before Sonny broke down in tears remembering his close friend.
He 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 replied: 'It's ok to not be ok, everyone has their battles and I'm very lucky I've got you boys.' Talking about their charity project, Capper added: 'I think our pals would be proud of us.'
Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales airs Tuesdays at 8pm on Channel 5.
