Farmers take on tractor run challenge along Britain’s coast to raise mental health awareness
4th June 2024
A group of dedicated farmers is preparing to set off on their biggest challenge so far, a 4,690-mile tractor run around the coast of Britain.
The challenge aims to raise awareness of the issue of poor mental wellbeing in the UK’s farming sector, while supporting the Farm Safety Foundation’s Mind Your Head campaign.
The tractor run, organised by Taron Lee and James Caswell, will set out from Cleethorpes seafront on 10th June, before finishing the challenge at Lincolnshire Show on 19th June.
Silent danger
A team of 14 will share the driving, which they hope to complete in a single JCB Fastrac over just eight days.
Mr Lee said: “We’re doing this to raise awareness of mental health and challenge this silent danger.
“We all need to talk more about mental wellbeing. We need to be open and break down the stigma. Mental health doesn’t discriminate, it can affect anyone; farm owners, farm managers, and farm workers.
“There are some amazing charities out there, but they can only help if we keep talking, and keep reaching out.”
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In Alec’s memory
The tractor run has been inspired by Mr Lee’s personal journey, but it has taken on new significance in 2024.
He explained: “We are now also doing this in honour of Alec Newlove. He was a member of our local Young Farmers’ Club who tragically died by suicide earlier this year.
“Alec was an amazing lad, and it seems right that we complete this challenge in his memory.”
Reach out for help
Poor mental health is a significant issue in the farming industry, with long hours spent alone coupled with the daily pressures and stresses of the job, all of which can take their toll.
Farm Safety Foundation manager Stephanie Berkeley said: “Mental health affects every single one of us. We all have it, sometimes it is good but sometimes it dips, and that’s when we need to be vigilant and reach out to a friend, workmate or family member who could be struggling.
“Thankfully, we are seeing more people talking and breaking down barriers, but there is still much to do. We need even more openness, more light, and more positivity around this issue.
“We are incredibly grateful to Taron, James and the whole team for undertaking this ambitious challenge and taking such positive steps to raise awareness and support. We can’t wait to follow their journey!”
Supporters will be able to follow live updates of the team’s progress via the Facebook page ‘Back British Farming and Mental Health’.
A Just Giving page has also been launched for anyone who would like to contribute to this cause.
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