Stepping up for RSABI!

Chapelton Farm worker Collin Dodds will embark on a gruelling journey this June to raise funds for Scottish agricultural charity, RSABI.

His partner, Kate Little, will also accompany him on the journey, raising money for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

Starting in Fort William, the pair will set off on foot with the aim of reaching their final destination at the northwesternmost point of mainland Britain, Cape Wrath, within just two weeks, anticipating a total journey time of 14 to 16 days.

Widely regarded as one of Britain’s toughest long-distance hikes, the unmarked Cape Wrath Trail will see the pair navigate some of the most remote and rugged terrain in the Scottish Highlands, tackling river crossings, unpredictable weather and traversing wild landscapes along most of the route.

With a deep rooted farming background, Collin started his career in the industry in the Cheviout hills, whilst being schooled in Northumberland and eventually settling in South West Scotland. Working in sheep, cattle and arable farming, Collin has been based at Chapelton Farm, working for the Biggar family, for 27 years.

This is not the first time Collin has fundraised for RSABI. Back in 2016, he raised just under £5,000 through a 24-hour sponsored ‘ploughathon’, and now a decade on, he is once again stepping up in support of the cause.

Speaking on his latest fundraiser, Collin said:

“Farming is a huge industry and for many it never really stops. Life can be challenging for everyone even for family and friends often leaving little time to pause and catch your breath.

“In the farming industry or even in general, we are all guilty of never stopping and keeping on going, giving everything to everyone, when sometimes we have nothing left to give ourselves.

“We have so many hard working men and women in the industry but it does come at a price and takes a toll on us all. I think as a community, we need to keep talking to each other, sharing our issues and ensuring people do not feel alone.

“RSABI is a charity that is very close to my heart. The work the team has done over the years for people of all ages across the industry has made an extremely positive impact and it is important that the work continues.

“I’m so thankful to my partner, Kate, who encourages me to do these out of the box things that not only put us in a better place but encourages us to be stronger and face whatever comes around.

“Whilst it will be a challenge, I’m excited to set off to Cape Wrath and encourage those in the industry and beyond to support me where possible. All funds raised will go to help support those who need it most.”

Pauline Macmillan, Head of Fundraising at RSABI said:

“We’re incredibly grateful to Collin for embarking on such an incredible journey to help raise funds for our vital services.  As Collin mentioned, the farming industry is hard work with many feeling the pressure to keep going, which comes at an expense.

“At RSABI, we provide emotional, practical and financial support to those in the industry whilst encouraging our communities to #KeepTalking and support one another.

“We’re so thankful to Collin for his generosity and wish them both the best of luck on their trip to Cape Wrath.”

If you’d like to support Collin on his journey from Fort William to Cape Wrath, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/collin-dodds-1

RSABI offers free practical, financial, and emotional support including counselling services, delivered quickly after receiving the initial enquiry. Its 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.

Photo caption: Collin Dodds