Five individuals from farming, veterinary and medical backgrounds are set to abseil 100 feet from the top of the Falkirk Wheel on 22 March, raising funds in aid of Farmstrong Scotland.
United by a shared belief in the importance of wellbeing support for those working in Scottish agriculture, the team will make their descent from one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks and the only rotating boat lift in the world. The Falkirk Wheel, which lifts boats between two canals in a remarkable feat of engineering, provides a dramatic backdrop for what promises to be an unforgettable challenge.
Taking part is Jake Bryson, Director of Bryson Tractors. He knows first-hand the toll that farm life and the pressure of running a business can take. Raised on a dairy farm near Strathaven, Jake left school to work at home before finding his own path in business, but he found the relentless demands difficult.
Today, Jake credits cycling, hiking, and cooking, alongside a supportive family, with keeping him grounded. He is passionate about Farmstrong’s mission to raise awareness of positive wellbeing and preventing crisis.
“I am fully behind Farmstrong as I think they do a great job of making people aware of how things impact our wellbeing and the ways to counteract it before it becomes a problem, all of which I was completely unaware of until things caught up with me. I’m looking forward to this challenge, but I am also scared of heights, so it’ll be interesting!”
Dr Chris Dixon and Dr Jen Rose are GPs working in a rural practice in South Lanarkshire and will be joining Jake for the challenge.
A keen cyclist and recent cricket convert, Chris has a personal connection to the challenge venue. His father was involved in managing the build and opening of the Falkirk Wheel and was on the very first boat to go around it.
A runner and mother of two, Jen knows the juggle of work and family life well and sees first-hand the impacts of rural isolation.
“At work we often see people from the farming community struggling with their mental health and wellbeing, and I think Farmstrong is a fantastic resource to be able to share with our community. I hate heights, but I do love a challenge, and all the better to be doing it for a great cause!”
Also taking part is Meghan Thomas who is a large animal vet working in South Lanarkshire, originally from a small town in rural Pennsylvania. She came to Scotland for veterinary school and never left, and now sees the full spectrum of rural wellbeing in her daily work.
“Farming never stops, and neither does the pressure. I just want to do my part as an advocate for mental health and wellbeing awareness and support, especially in our farming communities. Charities like Farmstrong depend on people giving time and funds to allow them to continue the great work they’re doing. It also helps your own wellbeing doing a small bit for them and knowing it will help towards supporting the wellbeing of others.”
Completing the team is Vicki Henderson, a farm animal vet based in Stirling. Vicki grew up on a farm near Perth and still helps on the family farm between shifts. She plays shinty and bags Munros in her spare time and understands better than most the quiet struggles that can accompany farming life.
“I wanted to take part in this challenge because vets often come across the raw end of mental health in the farming community, either when dealing with disease outbreaks or just during a chat, which can often be at 2am. Farmstrong is promoting some really useful ways that farmers can look after their wellbeing and I’m delighted to be able to support that, hopefully raising awareness and a good amount of money for them in the process.”
Clare Dickson, Community Engagement Specialist for Farmstrong Scotland has helped to organise the team for the challenge and will be cheering them on from the ground on the day.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Jake, Chris, Jen, Meghan and Vicki for taking on this challenge. They each work on the frontline of rural Scotland and understand why looking after your wellbeing is so important. Every pound raised will help us support more farmers and crofters to feel good and function well.”
The fundraising page for the team can be found at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/farmstrong-falkirkwheel-fundraiser?utm_medium=CA&utm_source=CL
Farmstrong’s Wellbeing Hub is full of practical resources, tips and tricks to support better wellbeing in farmers and crofters and can be found at www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/wellbeing-hub