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Hugh Thomas, a 75-year-old Pembrokeshire farmer, has delivered an important message to fellow farmers about the importance of paying attention to their health. After receiving a surprising diagnosis of cardiovascular disease and undergoing a triple bypass surgery, Hugh not only recovered but also went on to be part of The Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir—a group formed by Jeremy Clarkson—which won Britain’s Got Talent in May.
Running a sunflower farm alongside his wife Rachel since 1981, Hugh admits he previously tended to downplay health issues, following a common attitude among farmers who often “hold back” from seeking medical help. He explained, “‘Oh, it’ll be fine in the morning, put a plaster on it’. There’s a lot of that in this industry.” Rachel echoed this sentiment, noting that most farmers she knows would “put off going to the doctor unless their arm was hanging off.”
Hugh’s health journey began in February 2022 when, despite feeling generally well, he experienced shortness of breath during physical activity. Initially misattributed to a bad bout of Covid, it was Rachel’s insistence that led Hugh back to the doctor for further tests. An angiogram showed abnormalities in his arteries, leading to the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease and the need for triple bypass surgery to improve blood flow to his heart. Reflecting on the diagnosis, Hugh called it “quite a shock” as he experienced no pain—only some breathlessness with vigorous exercise. The surgery took place at Morriston Hospital in Swansea, followed by six days in intensive care. Since then, Hugh’s recovery has progressed well, and he now requires only annual check-ups.
In 2025, Hugh responded to a call for singing farmers and was selected as one of 34 members of The Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir, chosen from over 500 applicants. The choir’s standout performance in their initial audition earned them the Golden Buzzer, propelling them through the competition to the live final on 30 May. The group’s original song and heartfelt performance won them the contest, earning praise from judges including Simon Cowell, who described their act as “absolutely stunning,” “heartfelt,” and “joyous.” Hugh shared that the experience has been incredible for the choir, which has grown close through the journey, and hinted at exciting opportunities ahead for the group
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