Farmers’club support

Avondale Young Farmers are continuing to show their support for mental health by announcing a new charity partner.

The group will be fundraising for the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) in the new year after raking in hundreds of pounds for mental health charity, the Trust Jack Foundation.

Through various fundraising activities during the year, the young farmers raised a total of £1695 which will be split between Trust Jack and the Royal Highland Education Trust.

The Royal Highland Education Trust works with volunteers to provide free educational activities and experiential learning opportunities linked to the Curriculum for Excellence.

Stonehouse-based charity Trust Jack supports children and young people who are suffering from a mental illness.

It was set up in memory of Jack Hastie, an Avondale Young Farmers Club member, who suffered from adolescent depression and tragically passed away.

Avondale Young Farmers assistant secretary Caroline Hamilton told the News poor mental health is a big issue in the farming community.

“Quite a lot of people in rural communities struggle with mental health so that’s our reasoning behind the charities we have chosen to support,” she said.

The club are now looking forward to coining in more cash for their causes at their yearly variety concert in January.

The entertainment showcase takes place in the Village Theatre from January 23 to January 26, 2019.

Ten members will also be putting their best feet forward in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk this Sunday.

Funds raised will be split between SAMH and The Haven Centre.