A local charity set up in memory of well‑known Somerset farmer Derek Mead has received a welcome boost this week with a £7,899 donation from NFU Mutual’s 2026 Agency Giving Fund.
The funding has been awarded to The Derek Mead Health Room, a community health initiative created by Derek’s family to support farmers and rural residents with essential health checks and wellbeing advice. The charity works closely with the NHS and operates from the Sedgemoor Auction Centre at Junction 24, offering drop‑in sessions on the second and fourth Saturday of each month.
A spokesperson for NFU Mutual said the team was proud to nominate the charity for this year’s fund. They said the donation will help the Health Room continue the outstanding work it has carried out since 2019, providing early intervention and accessible health support close to home.
Katherine Hawke, Derek’s daughter, welcomed the funding and said it will help expand the charity’s services. “We are hoping to offer prostate testing more regularly, and funding from the NFU Mutual Agency Giving Fund will help make this possible,” she said. “This support will enable the charity to grow its health initiatives and continue providing vital services to the local community.”
The Derek Mead Health Room was the first hub of its kind when it launched, inspired by Derek’s long‑standing advocacy for farmers’ health. It was officially opened by HRH The Princess Royal and has since become a valued part of the rural community. More information about the Agency Giving Fund can be found through NFU Mutual’s website.
Pictured are Katherine Hawke from The Derek Mead Health Room and Naomi Parker‑Jones, Partner at NFU Mutual Weston, Bridgwater & Williton.
