More than 300 people came together at the Stephenson family farm near Bishop Auckland, raising an incredible £54,200.64 for RABI – the Farmers Charity.
Organised by the County Durham RABI Committee in collaboration with the Stephenson family, the event brought together friends, neighbours, local businesses and supporters from across the farming community in support of farming people.
Special thanks were given to the Stephenson family, whose generosity in hosting the event played an important role in its success. Recognition was also given to Gemma Oliver, a committee member and daughter of the host family, whose commitment and enthusiasm helped make the day possible.
The funds raised will help RABI continue providing practical, financial and emotional support to farming people across England and Wales, including financial assistance, professional counselling and practical guidance.
The total reflects the generosity and commitment shown by individuals and businesses across the local farming community. Multiple local businesses provided sponsorship, including premium sponsors Latimer Hinks, H&H Land & Estates, Jonathan Wallis, Explorers Nursery, Country & Commercial Finance Ltd and Low Grange Quarry Ltd. Individuals also gave generously, while contributors donated prizes for the ever-popular golden raffle.
At its heart, the day was about more than fundraising. It provided an opportunity for people to come together, catch up, share stories and enjoy each other's company; something many said matters now more than ever during a period of continued pressure for farming people.
Mark Crosby, Head of Volunteering at RABI, attended the event and said:
"I'd like to thank the County Durham RABI Committee, our sponsors and everyone who supported the summer luncheon. It was a wonderful celebration of the farming community and the power of people coming together. The generosity shown will have a lasting impact, helping RABI support farming people across the region with practical help, wellbeing assistance and access to the right support at the right time."
Paul Pirie, Head of Fundraising at RABI, said:
"Events like this are about far more than fundraising – they bring farming people and rural communities together to celebrate the enormous contribution farmers make to all our lives every day. Every meal we eat and much of the countryside we enjoy starts with our farmers.
We are incredibly grateful to our volunteers, sponsors and guests for their support. Their generosity helps the RABI – the Farmers Charity, continue providing practical, financial and emotional support to farming people through difficult times, while also reminding farming families they are part of a strong community both on and off the farm."
Sarah Maughan, Chair of the County Durham RABI Committee, added:
"We are completely overwhelmed by the level of support we've received. To raise such an incredible amount is beyond what we could have hoped for, and it reflects just how generous and supportive our farming community is."
She continued:
"It was a genuinely special day, not just because of the money raised, but because it brought people together. That sense of community is something we should be really proud of."
The committee thanked everyone who played a part, from volunteers and organisers to sponsors, donors and guests, recognising the collective effort that contributed to the event's success.
