Over 70 feed and grain companies are joining forces to face a charity cycle relay in support of the Farming Community Network (FCN). With an ambitious target to raise £100,000 for the charity, the industry is pulling together to generate as much money as possible for this very deserving cause.
The Farming Community Network exists to provide vital support to farmers, whether it be personal, or business related. They run a confidential, national helpline and e-helpline which is open every day of the year from 7am-11pm and our volunteers provide free, confidential, pastoral and practical support to anyone who seeks help. Over 6,000 people a year benefit from FCN’s support which can cover a variety of issues, such as farming, mental and physical health, family, or business matters. FCN volunteers typically deal with approximately 2,500 cases per year and receive approximately 100-150 calls to its helpline every month.
With British farming facing deep uncertainty in the coming years, the workload of FCN volunteers is expected to increase significantly. FCN relies solely on donations and grants to support the farming community. It costs approximately £1,500 a day to run FCN.
The relay challenge will commence on the 19th June, finishing up on the 31st July! The bike ride tour will see the teams take in the principal mills, ports, grain and feed sites across the UK and NWF Agriculture is pleased to be supporting the adventure at 3 points across the journey. This will include:
- Day 7 (Wednesday 27th June) from NWF Agriculture Wixland Mill in Devon to Mole Valley Farmers. Leg is 10.5 miles
- Day 29 (Saturday 21st July) NWF Agriculture Longtown Mill in Cumbria to Carrs. Leg 11 miles
- Day 33 (Thursday 26th July) NWF Agriculture Wardle Mill in Cheshire. Leg 20 miles
The route will cover the principal agricultural supply trade sites in the UK and can be downloaded here: http://www.gaft2018.uk/content/large/route/gaft_route_map_18.jpg
NWF Team Members participating in three of the legs are:
| Wednesday 27th June | Saturday 21st July | Thursday 26th July |
| Wixland | Longtown | Wardle |
| Dean James | Jo Davidson | Wayne Pearson |
| Nathan Smith | Brett Hughes | Stuart Bowen |
| Ash Clark | Sam Birchall | |
| Matt Greatbanks | ||
| Russell Lear | ||
| Paul Nellson | ||
| Hannah Massey | ||
| Rachel Hanselman | ||
| Michelle Wakefield | ||
| Angus Little | ||
| Angeleen Wardley | ||
| Joanne Humphreys | ||
| Sam Bradley | ||
| Cynthia Pierre | ||
| Susan Bootle | ||
| Richard Huxley | ||
How to Donate!
It’s easy! Visit the Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/GAFT
To find out more about the relay visit: http://www.gaft2018.uk
Make sure you keep in touch with live updates from the challenge on Twitter @GAFTBikeRide
All the help you need
Whatever your farming system we provide expert advice and solutions to help farm businesses
