Clarkson’s Farm fan-favourite star makes announcement after revealing he’s cancer-free

Clarkson’s Farm star Gerald Cooper has launched an initiative close to his heart after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Now cancer-free, the 74-year-old, who helps Jeremy Clarkson, 64, with his Diddly Squat farm in the Cotswolds has started a racehorse syndicate.

Joining forces with Old Gold Racing, the TV sensation has now entered the world of affordable racehorse ownership with bay gelding The Mullet.

The scheme will also raise money for Prostrate Cancer UK, with the charity set to receive an annual donation of £28,500 if all 3,000 shares sell.

The shares cost £60 each for a 14-month term and shareholders will have the option to donate any of The Mullet’s prize money earnings to the charity.

Gerald said: ‘It was a shock [speaking about his cancer diagnosis], but everyone has really supported me. The charity [Prostate Cancer UK] were great, I made it through and am now cancer-free.

‘I wanted to do something [for a good cause]. I met the Old Gold people [Old Gold Racing, who set up the syndicate] because of Jeremy [Clarkson] and this felt like a good thing to do. I’m really excited about what’s ahead with The Mullet.’

In June, the Clarkson’s Farm social media team confirmed Gerald was ‘happy and healthy’ after receiving cancer treatment and being declared cancer-free.

The farmer was all smiles in the picture as he donned a suitable woollen jumper, which went down very well with those sending messages of support.

While @TatetheTalisman regarded the news as ‘awesome,’ @DirkBermingham said: ‘I can’t like this enough – we love Gerald!’

Gerald is known on Clarkson’s Farm for having the thickest West Country accent going, with Jeremy himself often unable to tell what he’s saying as they work together.

But that hasn’t stopped Gerald becoming a serious fan favourite over the years, and viewers were devastated to learn he’d been diagnosed with cancer during the show’s third season.

During one episode, Jeremy received a phone call informing him that Gerald had been taken ill, before informing the camera crew of the news.

Later in the series, it’s confirmed that the farmhand and dry stone waller has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Jeremy said: ‘I’ve been phoning around, doctors and things I know, and his odds are really good but it’s scaring him to death.’

He continued: ‘I know he doesn’t understand and he’s bewildered because, for obvious reasons, somebody said, “Look, I’m sorry it’s cancer”, and that’s all he heard. He’s desperately upset, terrified. Poor man.’

Later in Clarkson’s Farm, better news came through: ‘He had his op three days ago. Have you talked to him?’ Jeremy asks farm colleague Kaleb (no relation to Gerald).

Kaleb replied: ‘Yeah, I spoke to him two days ago. I’m going to take him some pork. He wants some belly pork so he must be feeling a little bit better. He seems happier now as well.’

Thankfully, later in the series, it was confirmed that Gerald was cancer-free, with the famous farmer free once again to carry on his duties in the Oxfordshire countryside.