A Herefordshire woman will take on the London Marathon for a charity that helps tackle rural isolation and those struggling in farming communities.
Ali Parker, whose family farm near Bromyard, is currently training for the big event on 27 April and is hoping to raise thousands of pounds for We are Farming Minds.
The marathon will be Ali’s first and she said while training for the 26.2 mile course was tough charity pledges and the support she had received were keeping her going.
We are Farming Minds, founded by Sam and Emily Stables, at Kingsthorne, near Hereford, was set up to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the county’s farming community and the team provides training, events, information, advice and support that is designed to raise awareness.
Ali, who is NFU Herefordshire county adviser, said she enjoyed running manageable distances but a marathon was never an ambition until she found out the charity had a place.
“I went for it and was lucky enough to be given the spot,” she said.
“I’m turning 30 at the start of April so this feels an appropriate challenge, but most importantly I am so pleased to be able to raise money for We are Farming Minds in the process.
“Growing up on a family farm in Herefordshire and now working as Herefordshire NFU county adviser I see day-to-day the relentless difficulties facing farming families.
“With so many challenges outside of farmers’ control, from extreme weather events to Government decisions, life can feel like a constant battle, often being fought in isolation.
“As a result, poor mental health in farming is 46% higher than in other occupations and sadly all of us in the farming community know of loved ones who have struggled with mental health challenges.
“We are Farming Minds is doing fantastic work in the county helping those who are struggling and also tackling rural isolation and I think it’s never been a more important time to support charities like this.”
Emily Jones, We are Farming Minds project manager, said the charity team were all grateful to Ali for taking on the huge challenge.
“Fundraising has never been so important for us, 2024 was our busiest year to date which saw a 51% increase in counselling referrals and an increase in demand for all our other services – so far 2025 has been busier than last year,” she said.
“Ali was a standout candidate for us, being so involved in Herefordshire farming and its community and seeing first-hand the struggles being faced.
“We wish you all the best in your training Ali and every step you take will make a difference to the farming community.”
Ali said she had completed a few half marathons before but never anything beyond that.
Since January she has been sticking to her training plan although said once she passed the half marathon mark it was getting significantly harder.
“Luckily I keep myself fairly fit which has given me a good starting point,” she added.
“Having never broken a bone before, in the past two years I have broken my collarbone and fractured my pelvis so keeping injury free is my main focus!
“I have set a rather ambitious target of £10,000 and while I’m not sure if I will get to that it is keeping me motivated! Any amount I raise I will be happy with.
“The donations are keeping me going and reminding me who I am doing this for.”
Ali said she felt fortunate to be surrounded by supportive people who were spurring her on including family, friends, colleagues and Herefordshire NFU members who “have been incredibly generous with sponsorship”.
For details on Ali’s marathon effort and to sponsor her go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/ali-parker#sharePage online.
