4 farmers are hoping to lift consciousness and funds for psychological well being charity Thoughts by driving a mix harvester the size of the UK.
The Charity Mix Problem will see farmers Olly Harrison, John Branson, James Baldini and Martin Williams drive a Claas Lexion 8700 mix from John o’Groats to Land’s Finish from 4 to eight June.
To minimise the environmental impression, the mix shall be working on Certas Power HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) fossil-free gas. The farmers are additionally elevating cash for youngsters’s most cancers charity, Kids with Most cancers UK.
See additionally: How farmers can cope with psychological well being at occasions of strain
Their epic journey will see them drive round 200 miles per day throughout daytime within the mix, which shall be accompanied by a assist automotive. Because the machine is 3.49m large, it can’t journey on motorways.
We’re proud to assist @agricontract, John, James & Martin as they put together for his or her 875 mile journey in a LEXION 8700 from John O’Groats to Land’s Finish in June. The Charity Mix Problem is to lift consciousness and far wanted funds for each @MindCharity and @CwC_UK. pic.twitter.com/YdGU2vaTVp
— CLAAS UK (@CLAAS_UK) Might 18, 2023
The 875-mile route shall be pushed over 5 days, beginning at John o’Groats with in a single day stops at Sellars Agriculture , Perth, Rickerby , Carnforth, Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park, and Hamblys, Launceston.
After the drive, the mix shall be on present at Cereals Occasion, Thoresby Property, Newark from 13-14 June.
All 4 males have suffered the lack of shut mates by way of suicide, and so they imagine the tragic deaths may have been averted by speaking and communication about their psychological well being.
‘Reply as a p.c’
Merseyside arable farmer Olly Harrison, who owns the mix, advised Farmers Weekly: “Poor psychological well being is an enormous drawback amongst farmers and other people throughout the nation.
“That’s why we determined to drive a mix the size and breadth of the UK to lift consciousness about psychological well being points and get individuals speaking. That’s the largest factor individuals may do.
“Shedding my good friend has modified my outlook on life and I actually need to do extra about it.”
Mr Harrison would love individuals to #answerasapercent when requested how they’re feeling. “It’s the largest lie on the planet to say, “I’m high-quality”, if you find yourself not. However in case you say, “I’m solely 60% right this moment’, that will get individuals speaking,” he defined.
To observe the journey’s progress because it occurs, obtain the Claas telematics app or go to Olly’s YouTube channel @OllyBlogsAgricontractfarmer.
To donate funds, go to the staff’s JustGiving web page.