The team at specialist agricultural recruitment agency Cultura Connect will walk, jog or run 1000 miles in April to raise funds for FCN.
The original target of 500 miles (the total distance between the team’s remote workspaces) was doubled before the middle of the month thanks to the enthusiasm of those taking part. The challenge symbolises the work the company does every day to bring people together, as well as the bridges built by the FCN volunteer network to engage with those in need of support in the farming community.
In the year that FCN celebrates 30 years of ‘walking with’ farmers’, a challenge to walk (or run) through some of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes to highlight the importance of connection is very fitting.
Cultura Connect staff understand the unique nature of the industry and the challenges it faces. Here, some of them explain how they’re putting in the miles, and the reasons behind their determination to achieve their target.
Kate Pocock, Marketing Director, is the daughter of a retired dairy farmer who benefitted from the care of Macmillan Cancer Support. FCN is involved in a UK-wide partnership with Macmillan, helping to raise awareness of cancer risks, signs and symptoms in farming and rural communities.
She says, “It’s an honour to rally our team behind The Farming Community Network this year. Their remarkable work, particularly their collaboration with Macmillan to enhance cancer support services in rural communities, touches many lives—including my family’s”.
Rachael Walshaw, Marketing Executive, echoes Kate’s sentiments, “FCN has a strong personal meaning to me, and I think now, more than ever, they need our support. Their recent collaboration with Macmillan giving support to those living with cancer in farming communities and rural areas only strengthens the need for them”.
Becky Erskine, Recruitment Consultant, is not only getting the steps in through the countryside, but also on the netball court. For her, the support offered by FCN to dairy farmers is invaluable.
She says, “The Farming Community Network means a huge amount to me, being a dairy farmer’s daughter I have first-hand experience of the isolation, and heartbreak when you go down with TB again or lose your favourite calf. It can get too much. FCN does a fantastic job to get support to people who need an ear.”
The compassion shown by FCN volunteers is one of the reasons that Pam Jones, Recruitment Consultant, is putting in the miles. A seasoned walker in North Wales, Pam appreciates the wellbeing benefits that walking brings, and has been supported by FCN in the past.
She says, “This cause is deeply personal to me. My aunty tragically took her own life on their farm, and ten years ago, my brother died in a farming accident. In both of those incredibly difficult times, FCN was there – offering support to my family, providing guidance, and showing real compassion when we needed it most. Their work is vital, and I’ve seen first-hand the difference they make”.
We thank the Cultura Connect team for all their time, effort and support of FCN, and wish them all the best for the rest of the month.
In their words, “Every step we take will support The Farming Community Network, a vital charity providing crucial support to farming families during challenging times”.
If you’d like to support the Cultura Connect team in their incredible challenge, you can do so via their Just Giving Page: Cultura Connect is fundraising for The Farming Community Network