Tractor mechanics Billy Kitcher, Jack Macey and Bill Parsons – the latter of whom is employed by NFU member Francis Bugler – will be setting off will be setting off from John O’Groats to Land's End on 8 September with the aim of raising funds for a youth-focused mental health charity.
Their trip is in aid of the charity WillDoes – an organisation set up by WillDoes Founder and Chair Lesley Paddy in commemoration of her son Will who died in tragic circumstances in 2019.
Lesley created the charity to help young people who may be finding life tough and who are struggling to cope with daily life.
Inspired to embark on journey
Inspired by the charity’s aim to support young people’s mental health and wellbeing, Billy spearheaded the idea and recruited friends Jack and Bill, who are all in their early twenties, to embark on the challenging trip that spans nearly a thousand miles.
He said: “There’s not enough help for farmers; they’re overworked and they overthink things.”
None of the tractors they are driving will have cabs, but they all have link boxes for warm and waterproof clothing, camping gear, tools and essential spare parts.
“Farmers are incredibly resilient, but that doesn’t mean we should have to face these challenges alone.”
NFU Deputy President David Exwood
The young farmers estimate they will average about 18 miles per hour in their tractors and hope to complete the trip in under 10 days.
Mental health in farming
Their mission comes after a recent survey by the Farm Safety Foundation found that 94% of UK farmers under the age of 40 rated poor mental health as one of the biggest problems facing farmers and their families.
Earlier this year, NFU Deputy President David Exwood emphasised the importance of reaching out: “Farmers are incredibly resilient, but that doesn’t mean we should have to face these challenges alone.
“We know how isolating this job can be, and we also know how important it is to talk.
“Farming is an incredibly rewarding way of life – we produce food for the nation, care for the countryside and work in a sector built on community and shared experience.
“Taking a short break, checking in with a friend or simply talking to someone can make all the difference.”
Billy, Jack and Bill have already raised an incredible £3,870 for the charity ahead of their journey and hope to raise more so the organisation can continue with the amazing work they do to support young people in rural areas.
Head to their JustGiving page to find out more.
