Farmers’ ball raises £30,000 for rural charities

More than £30,000 was raised for four rural charities when farmers, sponsors and supporters gathered at Ludlow Racecourse in South Shropshire for a charity ball.

The Farmers’ Charity Ball was organised by members of South Shropshire NFU alongside current and former members of Ludlow Young Farmers Club.

The event brought together more than 370 people from across the farming community.

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Organiser Nick Hamer said: “After a year that has tested the farming community, we wanted to create an evening where people could switch off, enjoy good food and each other’s company, while raising funds for causes that offer vital support when it’s needed most.”

“We were overwhelmed by the response. Tables sold out within weeks, and the generosity shown by those attending on the night was incredible,” he said.

“We originally hoped to raise around £10,000 for charity, but the auction of promises and raffle helped us raise triple that, far exceeding all of our expectations,” he said.

Charities supported

Funds have been shared between Teenage Cancer Trust, Shropshire Rural Support, Midlands Air Ambulance and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution.

Chairman Rowan Higginson said: “Teenage Cancer Trust means a great deal to everyone at Ludlow YFC as earlier this year, we sadly lost our much-loved friend and club member, Toby Griffiths, to cancer.

“Toby was the kind of person who could make you laugh at any moment, always offering a helping hand and always had a smile on his face. Supporting the charity is our way of honouring Toby’s memory.”