The Riverina farming community is banding together to lend a hand to a young man who was seriously injured in a farming accident.
Jayden Mansell, 22, worked as a farm hand on a property about 250 kilometres north-west of Wagga, where a sheer accident landed him in Canberra Hospital.
Four weeks later, he has now been transferred back to Wagga Base Hospital where he is undergoing rehabilitation.
In an effort to assist with medical costs and time off work, H Francis and Co Stock Agents have organsied a lamb run to raise money.
Farmers are asked to donate a lamb or to bid generously when purchasing stock, with all profits to be donated to the Mansell family.
The 22-year-old's mum, Karen Mansell, said they were overwhelmed by the support.
"It's terrific to know people are thinking of us, and being involved in the industry for a long time, you get to know so many people and we've received a lot of kind messages," she said.
"When I first saw the flyer about the lamb run, I sent it to Jayden and he just said he was lost for words.
"We've been on the other end of these types of fundraisers so it's nice to know we also have that same support from others."
Mrs Mansell said Jayden was close to returning home and eager to get back to work.
"He's very motivated to get back to work and is learning new ways to do things," she said.
"He's like that with everything in life, from day dot he's always ready to get going and we are very lucky he's still here with us.
"It could have gone horribly wrong."
Tim Francis of H Francis and Co Stock Agents said it was the least they could do to help out their friends.
"Karen and Jayden worked with us for a long time and they're very much a part of our team," he said.
"We know it's very tough for them."
Mr Francis said he hoped the nature of the lamb market would mean they could pass on a decent donation to the Mansells.
"The way the lamb market is at the moment is good and buyers are normally very generous with these things knowing it's for a good cause," he said.
"For example, if a lamb is worth $250, they might double that price as a donation."
Alex Crocker is another involved in organising the run, and said it was a small way to help out.
"With coronavirus going on, a lot of businesses are doing it tough at the moment but in a farming sense, we haven't really been hit that bad, so we didn't want to just ask around for money when people are already struggling," he said.
"So hopefully this way, a few farmers can dig into their pockets and donate a little to help out."
The lamb drive begins Thursday at the Sheep Sales, and Mr Crocker said other agencies and clients are welcome to get on board.
