I am Richard Whitebread, 78, from Higham. I spent a lifetime growing fruit and market garden crops on the family farm. I love the outdoors, so when I retired in 2015 I took up walking, going out into the nearby countryside and walking the footpaths one day a week, watching the wildlife and the changing seasons. I then ventured further away to spend two or three days at a time, walking through some of the UK’s wilder areas. Next, I decided I would have a go at the North Downs Way from Farnham to Dover, and as it was a local challenge, why not do it in aid of the RABI?

I am a longtime supporter of the RABI farming charity, either attending their events, giving raffle prizes or donating when losing a dear friend. The RABI do a lot of work for members of the farming community who are going through hard times, and now things are looking even harder for many. So please give what you can to support this important charity, it will spur me on to complete this challenge.

The plan is to start from Farnham Station on 31st March and finishing on the beach in Dover on 11th April, including a couple of day’s rest on the way. This is about 120 miles.

Thank you for your support.

About the RABI:

Farmers deliver an essential service: producing food for the nation. However, being a farmer can be isolating and challenging, even after retiring. RABI’s goal is that no-one from the farming community should face adversity alone.

Our support is tailored to the individual. We offer free counselling, practical and financial support to farming people. Our grant programmes and emergency support help people through a crisis. Our regional support managers provide practical advice and are a friendly face and a listening ear when things are tough.