County Chair’s Fund Raising
During my year in office as Cumbria YFC County Chairman, I really wanted to use my position to raise awareness of Cumbria YFC and also to bring our young farmers together following the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021.
Fundraising is something very close to our young farmers’ hearts. Building on the success of my 2020 bike ride, myself and County Vice Chairman, William Longmire decided to complete a 250 mile loop around the County over a three day period, visiting all 25 Cumbria YFC clubs.
During our bike ride, we raised money for the Teenage Cancer Trust in memory of Lucy Bland who devastatingly lost her short but very tough battle with Leukaemia earlier this year. During Lucy's last few months, she received treatment at the RVI with team members from the Teenage Cancer Trust supporting and looking after Lucy and her family. Lucy was a much-loved member of Penrith YFC and is greatly missed not only by her friends within Penrith YFC, but also by young farmers county wide.
More recently, a junior member of Crook YFC has been diagnosed with a form of blood cancer and is currently undergoing treatment. This young gentleman has been a young farmer for 7 years and he is one of the most reliable, hardworking and talented members that Crook YFC have. We started from Penrith on day 1 (Friday 23rd September 2022) and cycle to Broughton, visiting all 10 clubs of the Southern District along the way. Day 2 (Saturday 24th September 2022) was from Broughton to Carlisle, stopping at 7 new clubs and finally day 3 (Sunday 25th September 2022) was from Carlisle back to the starting point at Penrith via the remaining 8 clubs.
As the sponsored bike ride took place following the sad passing of our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen, we paid our respects by holding a one-minute silence before we set off at the start of each day. We hugely appreciate all the people from the length and breadth of the county for coming along to cheer us on our way and for the donations.
Robbie Tuer
Cumbria YFC County Chairman 2022