Rachel Biggar takes on fundraising challenge in aid of RSABI

Rachel Biggar is running 100km in a month to raise funds for RSABI, in memory of her late father Donald Biggar OBE.

Mr Biggar was a highly respected Dumfries & Galloway farmer renowned for his Chapelton Herd, and he was a stalwart of native British beef breeds. He was involved in many agricultural organisations including the Royal Smithfield Club, Quality Meat Scotland, Scotland’s Rural College and WCF. He was also a great supporter of RSABI, the charity supporting people in Scottish agriculture.

Rachel begun her 100km for RSABI challenge on 7 June and will continue until 7 July. She has already raised over £3,000 online and in addition WCF, of which her father was Chairman, have donated £5,000 to the fundraiser.

Rachel is undertaking the fundraiser in Greece, where she currently lives, and the hot temperatures and humidity are adding an extra element to the challenge.

Rachel explains why she decided to fundraise for RSABI. She said: “Dad was passionate about the countryside and appreciated that it looked magnificent because people worked it and respected it.

“Dad also appreciated that those same people work incredibly hard, they give their lives to the countryside but that sometimes they fall into difficulty through no fault of their own. These same people keep our rural communities alive and have a passion for what they do.

“The support RSABI offers is unique in the sense that it is agriculturally focussed and understands the countryside. Dad greatly admired their work, he felt that RSABI understood problems and difficulties associated with living and working in agriculture, and that they offer practical support and a listening ear.

“Dad felt privileged in being able to do what he loved and always knew how fortunate he was.

"Dad saw challenges as opportunities, and whilst the run is a challenge I've set for myself, more importantly it is an opportunity to raise awareness and funds for a charity he regarded so highly.”

David Leggat, Chair of RSABI, said: “All involved with RSABI are very moved by Rachel's decision to run 100km in memory of Donald and to raise funds for our organisation. Donald would have been rightly proud of Rachel’s efforts and to know that the monies raised were going to a charity to which he gave great support.

“Donald was a special guy with a unique work life balance. His sense of public duty and service were awesome, while always cherishing his beloved family, farm and his beef cattle. Thanks to those who have already given Rachel sponsorship. Your support is really appreciated.”

RSABI provides emotional, practical and financial support to people in Scottish agriculture. In the last financial year the charity helped over 700 people and their families, with the number of helpline calls made and received rising to an average of 228 per month compared to 144 in the previous year.

Nina Clancy CEO of RSABI said: “This is a difficult time for the family and we’re very grateful to Rachel for taking on this challenge to raise funds for RSABI. The funds raised will help us support people in the Scottish agricultural industry and meet demand for our services.”

To support Rachel Biggar’s fundraiser visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Rachels100km.