A Herefordshire woman smashed her fundraising target for a charity that helps those struggling in farming communities after completing the gruelling London Marathon.
Ali Parker, whose family farm near Bromyard, finished the 26.2 mile course in just over four hours to raise thousands of pounds for county charity We are Farming Minds.
She was spurred on by the support she has received that has seen her fundraising hit £16,000 – eclipsing her initial £10,000 target.
Ali also passed some celebrity runners including fitness guru and presenter Joe Wicks and became a Guinness World Record holder along with the other 56,640 people who completed the course.
Last month’s marathon effort was Ali’s first and she put in tough training miles taking to rural lanes and roads across Herefordshire in preparation.
Despite the soaring temperatures on the day she finished the course in four hours, 21 minutes and six seconds.
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: “The marathon was so incredibly hard but I kept pushing through so I could just get to the finish line.
“I was extremely excited and equally nervous to be running and always thought I would only do a marathon if I had a really good reason to – raising money for We Are Farming Minds was exactly that.
“I was delighted with the sum raised as it will really help the charity and we also broke the world record for the largest number of finishers in a marathon so that was a real bonus, alongside getting to the end ahead of a few celebrities including Joe Wicks.
“I would love for him to come and check out the important work being done at We are Farming Minds to look after people’s mental health and wellbeing.
“Thank you so much to each and every person who has donated, supported fundraising events or sent good wishes to me.”
Poor mental health in farming is 46% higher than in other occupations and many in the farming community have a friend or loved ones who has struggled with mental health challenges.
Ali said: “Growing up on a family farm in the county 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.
“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 they were all grateful to Ali for taking on the huge challenge to raise awareness and funds.
She said 2024 has been their busiest year to date with a 51% increase in counselling referrals and an increase in demand for their other services with this year even busier.
For details on Ali’s marathon effort and to sponsor her go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/ali-parker#sharePage online.
