Brother-and-sister duo, Hugh and Alex Addison from Cumbria, have completed the remarkable Borderline Challenge, raising over £17,000 to support RABI’s work with the farming community.
The challenge – originally planned as a cycle across Ireland, a swim of the North Channel, a cycle through Scotland and a run along Hadrian’s Wall – had to adapt when poor sea conditions forced the cancellation of the swim. Undeterred, Hugh and Alex pressed on, completing an incredible 415km of cycling and 120km of running, before staging a replacement 35km team swim in Ullswater Lake on Saturday 20 September. Joined by their friends and supporters, the group swam together to cover a similar distance to the original relay plan.
Growing up in a farming family within a close-knit agricultural community, the siblings have seen first-hand the pressures of farming life. They tragically lost an uncle to suicide when they were young, an experience that left a lasting impact on their family. Hugh explained that “the passing of my uncle has really been one of the motivators for us doing this challenge. Farming has one of the highest suicide rates of any profession, and too often people feel they have to suffer in silence. If our efforts can change that belief even a little, then it’s been worthwhile.”
Both Hugh and Alex are passionate about supporting rural mental health and were clear why they chose to back RABI. “Coming from a farming background ourselves, we know how important it is to support mental health in rural communities,” said Hugh. “RABI does such vital work, and we’re proud to have raised funds to help them continue making a difference.”
Alex echoed this sentiment, reflecting on the culture of stoicism within farming. “Farming often has this culture of keeping calm and carrying on, but showing vulnerability and asking for help is just as admirable,” she said. “If the Borderline Challenge has helped spark more conversations about mental health in the farming community, then it’s been worth every mile.”
The journey itself tested the siblings’ endurance to the limits, with long days on the road, injury setbacks, exhaustion and moments where they almost gave up. Hugh admitted: “There were moments when I was absolutely drained and close to giving up, but the support we had around us kept us going. Seeing familiar landmarks on the final stretch into Newcastle was an incredible feeling, and we’re so grateful to everyone who joined us, supported us, and donated.”
RABI’s Head of Fundraising, Paul Pirie, praised their achievement, describing it as “truly inspirational.” He added that Hugh and Alex had “created not only a unique physical challenge, but also a model for fundraising – combining a bold idea with great storytelling, sponsorship and community support. We are so proud and grateful to them for raising over £17,000, which will enable hundreds of farming people to access our support services.”
Hugh and Alex will be sharing their experience at RABI’s Annual General Meeting in October, where their story will be showcased as a source of inspiration for other supporters.
You can still support Hugh and Alex’s fundraising efforts by donating today!
Brother-and-sister duo, Hugh and Alex Addison from Cumbria, have completed the remarkable Borderline Challenge, raising over £17,000 to support RABI’s work with the farming community.
The challenge – originally planned as a cycle across Ireland, a swim of the North Channel, a cycle through Scotland and a run along Hadrian’s Wall – had to adapt when poor sea conditions forced the cancellation of the swim. Undeterred, Hugh and Alex pressed on, completing an incredible 415km of cycling and 120km of running, before staging a replacement 35km team swim in Ullswater Lake on Saturday 20 September. Joined by their friends and supporters, the group swam together to cover a similar distance to the original relay plan.
Growing up in a farming family within a close-knit agricultural community, the siblings have seen first-hand the pressures of farming life. They tragically lost an uncle to suicide when they were young, an experience that left a lasting impact on their family. Hugh explained that “the passing of my uncle has really been one of the motivators for us doing this challenge. Farming has one of the highest suicide rates of any profession, and too often people feel they have to suffer in silence. If our efforts can change that belief even a little, then it’s been worthwhile.”
Both Hugh and Alex are passionate about supporting rural mental health and were clear why they chose to back RABI. “Coming from a farming background ourselves, we know how important it is to support mental health in rural communities,” said Hugh. “RABI does such vital work, and we’re proud to have raised funds to help them continue making a difference.”
Alex echoed this sentiment, reflecting on the culture of stoicism within farming. “Farming often has this culture of keeping calm and carrying on, but showing vulnerability and asking for help is just as admirable,” she said. “If the Borderline Challenge has helped spark more conversations about mental health in the farming community, then it’s been worth every mile.”
The journey itself tested the siblings’ endurance to the limits, with long days on the road, injury setbacks, exhaustion and moments where they almost gave up. Hugh admitted: “There were moments when I was absolutely drained and close to giving up, but the support we had around us kept us going. Seeing familiar landmarks on the final stretch into Newcastle was an incredible feeling, and we’re so grateful to everyone who joined us, supported us, and donated.”
RABI’s Head of Fundraising, Paul Pirie, praised their achievement, describing it as “truly inspirational.” He added that Hugh and Alex had “created not only a unique physical challenge, but also a model for fundraising – combining a bold idea with great storytelling, sponsorship and community support. We are so proud and grateful to them for raising over £17,000, which will enable hundreds of farming people to access our support services.”
Hugh and Alex will be sharing their experience at RABI’s Annual General Meeting in October, where their story will be showcased as a source of inspiration for other supporters.
You can still support Hugh and Alex’s fundraising efforts by donating today!
