A HEREFORDSHIRE farmer and three local vets have completed a huge challenge to raise money for a local farming charity.

The team, made up of farmer Mervyn Thomas from Abbeydore, retired vet and golf club captain Bill Main and two directors of Belmont Farm and Equine Vets, Matthew Pugh and Andrew Cooke, cycled 95 miles from Hereford to Aberystwyth on September 18.

Mr Thomas said: “We were very lucky to have beautiful weather which made the day much easier for us, we followed the river Wye from Hay-on-Wye upstream to Builth Wells and onto its source, then we had 70 miles of steady climbing ahead of us. Fantastic scenery over the hills and a fast descent to the seaside. We were very tired but happy to finish the challenge. I want to say a big thank you to everyone for their support and generosity”.

Mr Main added: “ This charity is very near to all our hearts as we have all known people in the farming and veterinary community that have struggled with their mental health, and want to support the work of this great charity".

The club raised £9,000 for the charity through an online auction, raffles and charity competitions, with a further £7,097 having been raised so far through Just Giving. Donations are still being taken and can be made via the online page "Over the hills".

Liesel Townley, fundraising and event manager of We are Farming Minds said “What an amazing achievement. It certainly means a lot to us all and money raised will go directly to help those who need support”.

We Are Farming Minds was founded by farming couple Sam and Emily Stables, and was inspired by their own personal experience and journey to overcome the stigma and lack of support for mental health within the farming community.

The offer of support through the charity includes a 24-hour support line, funding for professional counselling, free mental health training, resources and advice, and various social events. 

It is a registered charity, with its base at Kings Pitt Farm in Kingsthorne, and more information can be found at wearefarmingminds.co.uk

Supporters of the 'Over the hills' group have been quick to leave messages congratulating the group and donating even more money on Just Giving. 

Georgia Millan said: "Well done all of you for an amazing ride! Maybe the Olympics next! Great cause, fantastic!"

Julian and Sarah Radcliffe added: "Well done, good effort" and Annabel Morris said: "Well done! Great cause."

Some of the largest donations have included £100 each from Georgia Millan, Barbara and Pepe Millan, Phil and Ali Adams, Andrew Main, Margaret Black, the Pursey family, the Gnome Sanctuary and Tack Farm.

John and Ed Ferneyhough also donated a whopping £250 to the cause.

One supporter, Sarah Spencer, described the group as "legendary" and donated 550 US dollars.

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The group previously faced a delay in completing the challenge, which they originally planned for earlier this year. The plans were thwarted and the cycle pushed back after Mr Thomas was kicked in the chest by one of his bulls, breaking several ribs and leaving him unable to cycle.

Before the cycle, Mr Main explained his reasons for selecting We are Farming Minds as a charity to support, and said: "As a retired veterinary surgeon I wanted to choose a charity involved with the farming community, so have chosen We Are Farming Minds.

"This charity is dear to all our hearts as we have all known people in the farming and veterinary community that have struggled with their mental health, and want to support the work of this great charity."