ROBBIE Tuer can now cross off the three goals he set to achieve during his year serving as Chairman of the Northern District of Cumbria Young Farmers Clubs.

They were to raise money for two charities close to his heart, increase awareness of mental health in the rural young, and visit every YFC club in north Cumbria.

And the Raughton Head young farmer achieved all three using pedal power when he took on a mammoth biking challenge.

Along with other members from each of the 15 Northern District clubs on August 29 and 30, over the two day period, Robbie and fellow young farmers cycled 130 miles and at the same time raised thousands for Carlisle and Eden Mind and West Cumbria Hospice at Home.

Described as 'an amazing achievement' for everyone who participated, the cycle ride started at Drigg and worked its way up the coast to Brampton on day one, passing through 11 of the clubs, cycling around 86 miles. On the second day the young farmers left Brampton and worked their way down to Penrith before finishing the ride at Robbie's home club of Raughton Head, a total of a further 45 miles.

With outdoor exercise being encouraged by the government it has allowed the YFC members to get out and train throughout the lockdown and with the restrictions relaxing it has allowed the well-planned event to be put into motion. ‘

Cycling round the clubs of the Northern District, involving every club in the event and encouraging positive mental health ties in well with the National Young Farmers ‘Ruralplus’ campaign to raise awareness, identify support, and address the issues that rural isolation causes.

Robbie said: “Covid-19 has had a huge impact on everyone’s everyday lives and people in rural communities and locations have been hit hardest of all. With exercise of any form proving to better people’s mental health, what better way to raise some money for two amazing charities than bike round the 15 clubs of Cumbria YFC? The two charities have been working tirelessly throughout Covid 19 to provide the help and care that people require.

Northern District YFC President Richard Gardiner said "Everyone struggles with the pressures of growing up from time to time and young people in rural areas have the added difficulties of accessing real social networks, education, transport and services. In some cases, these issues can lead to a feeling of rural isolation or social exclusion.”

At the time of writing the sponsored event had raised nearly £4,000.

If you would like to support the event you can find the link to the Virgin Money Giving on my Facebook event – Cumbria YFC ND Charity Bike Ride 2020.