Caerphilly farmer plans marathon record wearing wellies

A farmer is aiming to break a Guinness World Record by running a half-marathon in wellington boots to raise funds for a farming mental health charity.

Neil Johnson, from Caerphilly, is fundraising for the Farming Community Network (FCN) Cymru by attempting the record at the ABP Newport Half Marathon on 19 April 2026.

On his fundraising page, Neil explained the motivation behind the challenge.

See also: 6 top ways farming raised funds for charity in 2025

He wrote: “I’ll be running with my boots on at the ABP Newport Half Marathon on 19 April 2026.

“Farming is tough and it can take a huge toll on people’s lives – too many times resulting in serious crises for those who own, run and work on farms.

“Issues are typically mental health-related, financial, relational, the list goes on.”

He added that pressures on farming families have intensified in recent years. “And regular government policy and market changes these days make it even tougher.”

Neil said his aim was to highlight support available within the industry.

“As a farmer myself, I want to do something positive and exciting for farmers, and to highlight a great charity that does amazing work to help make a real difference,” he said.

He also described the work of the charity, adding: “The Farming Community Network (FCN) organises an amazing team of volunteers who help farmers get the right professional help to get them in a better place.”

Details on his fundraising page outline how donations support FCN services.

A £20 contribution could fund the charity’s helpline for one hour, £52 represents the number of farmers who take their own lives in the UK each year, and £330 could cover the cost of running the helpline for a full day.

To date, Neil has raised £220 towards a £3,000 target.

FCN Cymru area manager Linda Jones said: “I would like to sincerely thank Neil not only for his fundraising effort for FCN Cymru, but also for his commitment to raise awareness for the work we undertake.

“As Welsh agriculture undergoes significant change, FCN Cymru is uniquely placed to support people across the industry on this journey.

“Neil’s fundraising effort for us will help staff and volunteers in Wales to be able to continue providing support to farming families who need us.”

Donations can be made on Neil’s JustGiving fundraiser page.