PM awards blind farmer from Bedfordshire for supporting students with diverse needs

Mike Duxbury lost his sight aged six from infantile glaucoma, but having grown up on a farm, he knew that he wanted a career in farming.

Mike struggled with getting admitted into agricultural colleges due to his visual impairment, until he was accepted into Warwickshire College of Agriculture.

Wanting to help support others in similar circumstances, he teamed up with Ness Shillito, who has a background in childcare and education. In 2021 the pair transformed an overgrown site in Bedfordshire into a working farm with the aim of making agriculture more accessible for disabled people.

The self-funded ‘Inclusive Farm’ provides an opportunity for students and people with disabilities to learn practical skills such as animal husbandry, agricultural skills and bringing products to market.

Mike hopes to expand to have more Inclusive Farms around the UK, and is currently looking at options for a site in Scotland, which will enable them to provide more opportunities to a wider range of young people.

Congratulating Mike and Ness on their award, Rt Hon Andrea Leadsom, Mike and Ness’s local MP, said: “A huge well done to Mike and Ness for their outstanding work at ‘Inclusive Farm’ making agriculture accessible to everyone, no matter their disability. They are two highly deserving Points of Light!”

Mike and Ness commented:

“We are delighted to receive the Prime Minister’s Point of Light Award. We are truly humbled to receive this accolade, for the work that we do. Creating a better world & community environment for people with difference, through our Inclusive Farm project. We hope that this award will lead to a greater awareness and better understanding of Diversity, Inclusion & Equality, throughout society and business.”

Mike and Ness are the 2,177th and 2,178th recipients of the Points of Light award, which was first launched in April 2014 to recognise outstanding individuals making a positive change within their community and inspiring others.

Each weekday, someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements.