An agricultural professional working for AB Agri has launched an ambitious fundraising campaign titled ‘One Woman, 10 Days, 10,000 Milking Cows’ to support RABI – the Farmers Charity.

Starting on August 3, Marie Stephenson will travel the length of the country from Cornwall to Scotland, aiming to help milk 10,000 dairy cows over a 10-day period.

Marie says the challenge was inspired by the impact of recent losses within her local farming community and the effect these had on families, schools and young people.

“The challenge comes from a very personal place,” said Marie, who is from Carnforth. “After a series of losses close to my family and local farming community, I saw the impact left behind on families, schools and whole communities.

"I want to do something to raise awareness, bring some light to the farms I milk at and help open conversations about mental health in farming.”

Marie hopes the challenge will encourage conversations about mental wellbeing while highlighting the physical demands dairy farmers manage every day.

AB Agri is supporting the planning of the challenge, working closely with Marie to ensure appropriate biosecurity measures are in place across every farm she visits.

With regional farm networks already coordinating routes to help reach the 10,000 milestone, Marie also hopes broadcaster Sara Cox, who has supported her previously, will help raise awareness of the challenge.

Updates on Marie’s routes and participating farms will be shared throughout July ahead of the challenge beginning on 1 August. To support the challenge and donate, visit Marie’s JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/page/marie-stephenson-4

Paul Pirie, head of fundraising at RABI, said: “Marie’s challenge is an extraordinary demonstration of commitment to farming people and the realities they face every day.

"By taking on something so physically demanding, she’s shining a light on the pressures within our industry and helping ensure more farming families know that support is there when they need it most. We’re incredibly grateful for her determination and generosity.”

RABI – the Farmers Charity has supported farming people since 1860, continually adapting its services to reflect the changing realities of farming life.

Today, RABI provides practical, financial and emotional support to farming people across England and Wales through confidential advice, mental health support, benefits guidance, direct financial assistance and community-based wellbeing services.