Supporting the Farming Community Network (FCN), Northumberland agronomist Chris McClymont is currently taking part in the Montane Spine Race, which runs from the 15th to the 22nd of January.
The Montane Spine Race is a non-stop, 268-mile mountain marathon. This year’s race sees more than 150 competitors tackle the Pennine Way, starting in Edale, Derbyshire, and finishing in Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish borders.
It’s widely considered to be one of Britain’s most brutal endurance races, with entrants warned to expect extreme weather, deep snow, ice, mud, bogs, groundwater, storm-force winds and driving rain.
Mr McClymont, who works as an agronomist for Agrii, grew up near Morpeth, Northumberland and is no stranger to demanding terrain and sporting achievements. Last year, he cycled sixty miles of the 420-mile Mull to Hull expedition as part of a group of fundraising agricultural professionals.
He said: “I recently attended a training presentation given by an FCN team member. She discussed both the resilience shown by farmers during difficult times and the strong support for them from charities like FCN. I felt I could raise money and highlight this resilience and strength by competing in one of the toughest events in the country, where I’ll need both of these qualities and more.”
He added: “The difference that FCN volunteers make to the mental well-being of people in rural communities is incredible. I come into contact with people every day who could potentially receive confidential support from the charity, whether it’s a sympathetic ear or the offer to ‘walk with’ anyone seeking help. It’s so important.”
If you would like to donate, there has been a JustGiving page set up for the race.
