This year has already been the single worst year in the last 25 years for farming related deaths, over 50 people have lost their lives in the last 12 months, which is almost the same as one a week

The Farm Safety Foundation is particularly close to my heart because I came as close to being one of these terrible statistics as anyone. In February 2019, I was working on a farm in Canterbury, New Zealand and whilst using an angle grinder I lost control and cut through the inside of my left leg, in doing so severing my femoral artery.

Fortunately, I was able to call for help, and kept alive whilst I was airlifted to hospital. I went straight into emergency theatre whereby a vein was taken from my right leg and put into my left to ammed for the severed artery. I was then placed into a medically induced coma for 6 days as to prevent brain damage. Although I don’t recall the resuscitation processes, they happened twice, once in the Air Ambulance and once in theatre.

I’m quite aware that I am one of the lucky ones, The Farm Safety Foundation are a great organisation that look to educate our farming communities as best they can in all things farm safety and mental health.

I’m immensely proud to be a part of our farming community, the resilience of those involved has been shown in the past year which has been challenging for many. One event looked forward to by most of these people is this years D.I.Y AGM in Blackpool. In order to raise money for the previously mentioned I will be running a marathon from Lancaster to Blackpool (hopefully straight into a bar) I'll also be joined by Dai Rees of the Pub Yields Podcast who will be running a half marathon alongside me, and has promised to use his considerable social media popularity and D list celebrity profile in the Welsh Valleys to help raise funds.

I know money has been tight for a lot of people this year, but if you happen to have a spare few pounds it would be greatly appreciated and 100% of proceeds will go to keeping our nations farmers safe. If you need myself or Dai we'll probably on the Spoons rooftop in the foetal position for the following three days. See you there!

Thank you.