Big-hearted Axminster Young Farmers turned to the land they know well to generate more than £5,000 for charity.
They staged a hugely successful 24-hour plough-athon, where over a period of 24 hours 24 members of the group continuously ploughed a field in East Devon – each of the participants doing a one-hour session of ploughing. The proceeds went to the Brain Tumour Charity.
The young farmers’ Alice Gray told the Herald: “Unfortunately we were faced with both weather and mechanical problems but this did not stop our members completing the challenge and they managed to plough 20 hectares.
“The event was organised in memory of a former member, Richard Lambert, who sadly passed away last year with a brain tumour. Richard was a much-loved friend and supporter of the club and had previously helped on numerous occasions with plough-athons and muck-athons.”
Alice explained: “We chose to raise money for the Brain Tumour Charity in memory of him and we have been overwhelmed with the support we have received and as it stands we have raised a very impressive £5,435.
“We are extremely grateful to everyone who helped us to ensure this event could go ahead. This included Hamblys, who supplied the tractor and plough, and Fred Eames, who provided the ground and also paid us £1,000 for the ploughing we did. We would also like to thank Lemken, Tolley Contractors, Will Bright Contractors and Chirs Bailey Engineering who provided us with fuel, parts and mechanical assistance.”
Alice said the event enabled a range of members to get involved.
“The vast majority of those who did an hour of ploughing had never ploughed before and some had never driven a tractor.”