A Life of Fundraising for Farm Africa
28 August 2013
Over 26 years a remarkable Sussex farmer has consistently been going the extra mile to raise both funds and awareness for Farm Africa in his local area.
Motivated by a deep feeling of solidarity with Africa’s farmers, Tim Jury has come up with a range of fundraising activities from barn dances to ultramarathons. And as he celebrates his 60th birthday this year, it turns out that this longstanding commitment has raised the staggering sum of over £100,000 for Farm Africa.
Tim pinpoints the start of his fundraising career all the way back to 1984, triggered by Michael Buerk’s harrowing news reports on the Ethiopian famine. As a farmer he was shocked by the drought that had robbed the country of its resources.
“As a farmer I am always thinking about the weather. And realising that for others there can be more severe weather with fewer resources to ride out the extremes – that puts you in a fragile position.”
His reaction was to establish Sheep Aid - a fund with Farm Africa where UK livestock farmers could divert the value of one sheep per flock sold at market towards combating Ethiopia’s famine. The initiative raised £10,000 and marked the beginning of a partnership that would span decades.
Over the years Tim continued to support Farm Africa alongside his busy farming job and family life. He organised an annual barn dance and carol event which have both become long-standing events within the community and are still running today more than 20 years on. He also introduced an annual equestrian Ride for Africa where local farmers open up their land to allow access to exclusive riding routes across beautiful Sussex. Tim’s efforts have always involved his local community in his Farm Africa journey and established a network of committed supporters.
Photo: Tim's annual barn dance in aid of Farm Africa is a hit with the locals
In 2001 Tim’s support intensified following a visit to Ethiopia with Farm Africa. Talking frankly about farmers in this part of the world, he said:
“They are as important as anyone living next door and it is an absolute tragedy that they have been neglected with the resources they have. It is not aid they lack, but the basic resources to feed themselves.”
And that is what Farm Africa is all about – empowering eastern Africa to feed itself.
“When I saw what was happening on the ground [in Ethiopia] it wasn’t just the gratitude that was awe-inspiring - the help Farm Africa gives goes beyond providing a means to produce more food, raising people’s dignity and self esteem as they step outside the need for aid.”
From this moment on, Tim launched himself into physical challenges including the Great Ethiopia Run and the Maasai Mara half marathon. In this year alone, Tim has clucked to the finish line of the Virgin London Marathon in a chicken suit, run in an ultramarathon along Hadrian’s Wall, and celebrated his 60th birthday with a triumphant 75 mile cycle from his farm near Hastings to London where he presented his latest cheque to Farm Africa.
Photos: Tim Jury arriving at the Farm Africa office in central London after a 75 mile bike ride
It is the unassuming consistency of Tim’s efforts that are most impressive. Yet he is quick to point out that none of it would have been possible without the support of his friends and family, in particular his wife Anne. Although admitting that there have been challenges, it is the people he has met along the way that have made it worthwhile.
Citing a memorable moment as crossing ‘The Wall Run’ ultramarathon finish line at the Millennium Bridge in Gateshead, Tim emphasises that fundraising should always be fun and that longevity of support stems from promoting a cause close to the heart.
Reflecting on Tim’s astonishing achievements, Farm Africa’s Chief Executive Nigel Harris said:
“Tim’s commitment to fundraising and raising awareness of our work over such a long period of time is simply extraordinary. He is an inspiration, not just to us but to all those looking to make a difference through supporting a charity. I’d like to extend the gratitude of all Farm Africa staff and the communities we work with on the ground to Tim for everything he has done and is doing. And of course, we’re looking forward to wishing him a very happy birthday when he cycles in to the office.”
If you would like to support Tim in his challenges this year then please click here to make a donation.
Read our press release on Tim's amazing contribution to Farm Africa over 26 years.
