Charity staff conquer ‘The Big One’ to raise awareness for farmers in need

A group of intrepid R.A.B.I staff and supporters climbed the 420 steps, or 235ft, to the top of the highest peak on ‘The Big One’ rollercoaster at Blackpool Pleasure Beach
A group of intrepid R.A.B.I staff and supporters climbed the 420 steps, or 235ft, to the top of the highest peak on ‘The Big One’ rollercoaster at Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Last week a group of intrepid charity staff and supporters climbed the 420 steps, or 235ft, to the top of the highest peak on ‘The Big One’ rollercoaster at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, all in the name of raising funds and awareness for farmers.

A range of plucky YFC members, R.A.B.I staff and committee members took part.

Three Regional Managers, Georgina Lamb, Lucy Bellefontaine and Becky Davies, led the way. The team were kitted out in yellow wellies and yellow hats to draw attention to the Farm Safety campaign.

The yellow hats were donated by the Farm Safety Foundation, and the yellow wellies were donated by Kramp UK.

"We were lucky with the weather in that it was a completely still night with no rain which is rare in these parts"
"We were lucky with the weather in that it was a completely still night with no rain which is rare in these parts"

Afterwards the team celebrated in traditional British style – with fish and chips and a cup of tea, followed by a lots of Blackpool rock.

Co-organiser, Georgina, said: “The view from the top over the Blackpool Illuminations was breath taking!

“We were lucky with the weather in that it was a completely still night with no rain which is rare in these parts.

“We got some great photos, thanks to Ed Sykes, but it was quite difficult to get good shots as there was a huge red light at the peak to warn aircraft!”

Regional Manager for the East, Lucy, was just pleased that it wasn’t as scary as she thought. “It’s just a giant staircase really! The whole experience was fab and it is a great way to draw attention to what R.A.B.I do and share the farm safety message.”

Becky, RM for the West Midlands, was keen to be involved, not only to raise funds but also because her family have been affected by a farm accident recently and she spread awareness: “I enthusiastically agreed to the challenge.

“Partly because it seemed like a fun, but slightly daunting, way to raise money for R.A.B.I, but also because it was something a bit different!

“I wanted to maximise the uniqueness of this event, so when David Fellows from the West Midlands area of Young Farmers suggested conquering the big one in YELLOW wellies to highlight the farm safety campaign, I was all for it.”