Melton’s farmers raise funds for heart health checks

Thanks to farming community donations, heart health screening at Melton Mowbray Market will soon include simple ECG tests, improving early detection for farmers’ cardiac concerns.

The Melton & Belvoir Agricultural Society has presented cheques totalling £3,070 to the Lincolnshire Rural Support Network (LRSN), which runs fortnightly nursing services at the Market.

The funds will be used to purchase ECG equipment to enhance existing health checks.

See also: Farmers offered health checks at Hawes Mart

The LRSN nurse already offers cholesterol and blood pressure checks, along with advice and referrals.

The new equipment will allow for additional testing, aiming to catch potential issues early among farmers, who may otherwise struggle to access routine NHS services.

Hugh Brown, chief executive of Melton Mowbray Market, said: “It is clear that the nursing support at the Market is highly valued by our farming customers and they have generously donated to this cause.”

The society, which also organises the annual fatstock show and sale, supports regional agriculture and farming welfare initiatives.

Jonathan Thompson, chairman of the Melton & Belvoir Agricultural Society, said: “The society acts to promote agriculture in the region for this and future generations.

“As a result of a generous donation, we are delighted to support the LRSN nurses at Melton Mowbray Market.”

Health screening ‘vital’

The LRSN expressed appreciation for the funding, emphasising the importance of accessible healthcare for the rural community.

“We are extremely grateful for the support of the Melton & Belvoir Agricultural Society, the market and their members,” LRSN said.

“We know that many in the farming community struggle to prioritise their own health over the health of their business, stock or crops, so it’s important that the LRSN nurses are able to offer accessible routine health screening.”