South West Farmer Awards night raffle raises £600 for FCN

A meat box, hampers and even a duvet were some of the prizes donated for the raffle, which raised money for the Farming Community Network (FCN). 

The charity supports farmers and families in the farming community. The organisation runs a national helpline and e-helpline every day of the year from 7am until 11pm, which provides confidential support to anyone who needs help. The charity helps more than 6,000 people per year. 

Stephen Dennis, South West Regional Lead for FCN, said: "I would like to say thank you to all those that supported FCN at the South West Farmer Awards by buying draw tickets and raising £603 on the night.

"It also gives a great opportunity to raise awareness of the work that FCN volunteers are involved in and the understanding that we are there to support all within our farming family whatever the challenges!

"The awards night shows us the great things that can be done when families and teams work well together. We have so many great farming businesses that need to be celebrated in the region.

"We also need to be aware that within families and teams, it can often be a hiding place for those that feel isolated and lonely.

"The importance of looking out for and caring for those that are struggling falls on all of us to support where we can.  Sometimes it needs someone from outside to support and that is where FCN is well placed to come alongside, listen and help to create options that benefit those in need."

Roland Ebert, organiser of the awards, said: "We would like to say thank you to everyone who donated prizes for the raffle and to everyone who bought tickets on the night. We raised an incredible amount of money, so thank you all.

"We’re delighted to be able to contribute as an event and to help raise awareness of a charity that offers such a wide range of support for farmers and families within the farming community."

Prizes were kindly donated by the following businesses: 

• James Kittow Butchers – Festive White Meat Box
• The Cornish Hamper Store - Two hampers
• Devon duvets - King duvet, worth £190 
• Healeys Cyder Farm - Annual family pass for four, case of rattler cider and box of flattler cider 
• Somerset County Cricket Ground - Four tickets to summer festival 

The awards night was a huge success and you can find pictures as well as short biographies from each of the award winners in the December 2023 edition of South West Farmer.