Why British farmer Stuart Roberts is getting involved in #GivingTuesday

The 28^th of November isn’t any ordinary Tuesday. It’s #GivingTuesday – the international day of giving and the time to do good stuff! To celebrate the day and provide you with a bit of inspiration, we thought we’d bring you the story of one our amazing fundraisers, Stuart Roberts of Hammonds End Farm, Hertfordshire. Take it away Stuart!

“Historically, my fundraising efforts would at best be described as putting a few quid in a tin when walking down the high street of our local town. However, on three occasions in the last decade I have attempted to raise more significant sums of money for charities close to my heart.

In January 2016, weighing 26 stone and being in less than peak physical fitness, I decided to run the London Marathon. To provide some much needed motivation I decided to try and raise some money to help the people at Farm Africa.

The charity choice was not an accident: it was an organisation I have been associated with on a couple of occasions in the past and some good friends of mine have seen their work first-hand.

I was keen to help a charity where I could see my money would not be used to simply fix an immediate problem but to provide long-term sustainable solutions to communities that can then go on and thrive by their own initiative.

I have been particularly taken by Farm Africa’s Growing Futures project, which provides support to young people in Kenya so they themselves can develop into successful farming entrepreneurs and help initiate, support and sustain a vibrant rural economy that will benefit many people for decades to come.

I wouldn’t pretend it is easy to raise money and I don’t necessarily enjoy asking people for money but Farm Africa’s work makes the conversation much easier, as those you are asking for money from can see how their small donation can unlock huge long-term potential.

After 15 months I crossed the marathon finishing line 11 stone lighter and Farm Africa received a very substantial donation, which I take great pride in playing a small part in achieving.

On #GivingTuesday on 28 November, the global day of giving, Farm Africa is aiming to raise £8,000 for its Growing Futures appeal in just one day: enough to give 50 groups of young farmers the high-quality seeds and agricultural training they need to change their lives not just this harvest but every harvest.”

Until 14 January 2018, donations from UK individuals will be doubled by the UK Government – meaning gifts will go twice as far.

This #GivingTuesday, will you join me in supporting Farm Africa?

A gift of just £6 could provide a young couple with a training session, equipping them with the essential agricultural and business skills they need to make a profit not just this harvest, but every harvest.”