Radio 4 appeal to help farming

The BBC is giving over its Appeal slot to raise money for the rural and farming community on Sunday 7 March 2010.

Nearly 2m people are expected to hear the appeal which will go out just before 8am, fronted by the Arthur Rank Centre and presented by TV presenter Pam Rhodes (pictured).

“For all its beauty, life in the countryside can be tough,” says a spokesperson for the ARC.

“Over 900,000 rural households live in poverty, and problems such as depression, stress, relationship difficulties, health, finance and business difficulties can go undiagnosed and unheard.

“The ARC puts the church is at the heart of the solution, which is why ‘Songs of Praise’ presenter Pam Rhodes has agreed to present the appeal. Pam is passionate about tackling the real hardship and suffering.”

This is the first time since the initial BBC “Appeal” in 1927 that a farm-related cause will be the topic and it’s set to raise both awareness of – and funds to alleviate – hardship.