Almost £30,000 Raised by Borders Farming Family Ahead of Walking Challenge

A Borders farming family has been overwhelmed by the incredible support received ahead of their 100-mile fundraising walk this June, which has already raised almost £30,000 for RSABI, the charity supporting people in Scottish agriculture.

The walk is taking place in memory of Neil Stewart, whose wife Caroline and three children Victoria, Emily, and Charlie, will be joined by family and friends from 2nd – 7th June 2025, to walk the Kintyre Way.

Their “100 for One” route will wind its way through the Kintyre peninsula from Tarbert to Machrihanish in an area which held fond memories for Neil, who tragically took his own life in June 2024 at the age of 60.

Neil had a special connection with Kintyre as it was where his mother came from, and he spent many childhood holidays there. Later in life, he continued to visit the area with his own family and passed on his love of Kintyre to them.

The “100 for One” challenge aims to raise awareness of mental health within the farming community and encourage people to #KeepTalking. It is also raising vital funds for RSABI’s support services including its 24/7 helpline 0808 1234 555, and free counselling.

The name “100 for One” reflects Neil’s love of sport, especially cricket, linking the 100-mile walk with the family’s hope that even if the initiative helps just one person it will be a huge success.

As the total raised continues to grow, surpassing their initial £25,000 target, the Stewart family are expressing heartfelt thanks to all those who have donated and supported the campaign so far.

“Neil was deeply loved and is sorely missed,” said Caroline Stewart. “We’ve been so moved by the outpouring of kindness and generosity, from heartfelt messages to incredible donations. It is very touching for us all to get a sense of just how much Neil meant and how important people view the work of RSABI to be.”

For those unable to make the journey to Kintyre, a local event is being held in Kelso on Sunday 8th June 2025.

Supporters are encouraged to arrange their own local walk, long or short, individually or with friends, ensuring that steps are taken to ensure walks (undertaken at participants’ own risk) are safe and responsible.

After their walk, participants are invited to meet at Kelso Cricket Club between 2–6pm for a relaxed and friendly afternoon of connection and support. Refreshments will be available, and there will be an opportunity to donate to RSABI in memory of Neil.

Carol McLaren, Chief Executive of RSABI, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Stewart family and their friends for sharing Neil’s story and undertaking this remarkable challenge in his memory. A fantastic amount has already been raised, and importantly, we hope the initiative helps to share our #KeepTalking message – that no one in Scottish agriculture should feel alone.

“Sadly, suicide remains a significant concern in the farming community, and it is vital that people know that help is available. If you are struggling, please talk to someone about how you are feeling and remember there is always support available.”

RSABI is part of a community of organisations backing Scotland’s newly launched national suicide prevention campaign which highlights the need to normalise talking about suicide and give people the confidence to have a conversation that might just save someone’s life.

Alongside the campaign, a new website with a range of information, resources and a new local services directory has been launched at suicideprevention.scot. 

This work is led by Suicide Prevention Scotland andRSABI is one of the community of organisations working to deliver the Scottish Government and COSLA’s joint suicide prevention strategy, Creating Hope Together.

To support the Stewarts, donations to RSABI can be made via JustGiving at www.justgiving.com/page/neil-thomson-1 or to donate £20, text 100FORONE to 70450.

RSABI’s free confidential support service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by calling 0808 1234 555 (calls won’t show up on phone bills) or through a confidential webchat service, available on RSABI’s website www.rsabi.org.uk.

If you are having thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help, speak to someone you trust or call one of these helplines:

Samaritans: 116 123 (Available 24/7)

Breathing Space: 0800 83 85 87 (Available Monday to Thursday 6pm to 2am. At weekends, open between Friday 6pm and Monday 6am)

NHS 24 mental health hub on: 111 (Available 24/7)

If you are ever in immediate danger or have the means to cause yourself harm, you should dial 999 and request an ambulance.