Throughout September, we are on the road with ‘The Journey’, gathering interviews to share with you through the Winter months and learning more about the countryside we all know and love…
Holly & Emma meeting up before the official start of ‘The Journey’ – with grateful thanks to our sponsors Hiho Silver, Blackdown Shepherd Huts and Dimpsey Glamping.
Now, let’s catch up with how Holly is getting on with her travels…
I sit writing this from the picturesque Belwade Farm, World Horse Welfare centre on route to the Cairngorms National Park. Outside I can see rolling green paddocks, home to the charity’s rescue horses and ponies, there are few better spots to find a perch and set to work.
Since I left my home county of West Sussex on Sunday, and began our month long fundraising campaign – The Journey, the days have blurred.
I’ve been asked a couple of times, HOW we are raising awareness and funds for these two charities on this trip, the answer is:
Through both embracing and harnessing the power of social media and the rural community, forging new connections and sharing stories from a variety of individuals across the country we are hoping to raise awareness and donations for our two charities; Pompe Support Network and R.A.B.I.
For any new readers, or for those unfamiliar with The Journey, my first port of call was The Bellwether in Kent, to meet Catherine Maylam at their home of Bilting Farm. The Bellwether is a gorgeous Blackdown Shepherd Hut, but made entirely unique by Catherine.
Not only do the Maylam’s run The Bellwether alongside their arable farm, but they also founded Canterbury Cider, a craft cider business to keep them busy. As if farming doesn’t tick that box all on its own?!
From Kent, I headed to the three N’s as I’ve called them. Norfolk, Nottinghamshire and Northumberland (part one).
Norfolk was first, where I met Simon Gurney, living with Pompe disease (like my father), who generously invited Nellie and I into his home. Until Simon, I had never met another individual with Pompe, so this was a conversation I was truly looking forward to having, it did not disappoint.
Simon is keen to share with you, far more than just his story with Pompe, as the owner of a historic estate and innovative holiday park which challenged the ‘norms’ of what a country estate should be. ‘How dare one put caravans onto a game bird rearing field’, he scoffs as he reminisces.
Simon is a formidable character with a rebellious attitude towards not only diagnosis but life and a countryman at heart.
Simon was diagnosed with late-onset Pompe disease around a decade ago, at forty years old. This variation is one of the most commonly undiagnosed characterisations of the rare metabolic disorder, as many people write off symptoms due to aging and stereotypically associated decline in muscle strength, physical fitness and health.
This is something I wish to highlight through the duration of this trip, if we can encourage someone to consider their situation, and perhaps pick up the phone to a health care professional and begin the conversation, rather than ‘accepting’ the aches and pains as a result of their aging, then we may have helped one person on their journey.
R.A.B.I – short for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution is the second charity Emma and I are fundraising for through Countrywoman’s Guide. R.A.B.I is largely recognised for the support provided to farmers.
Our farmers are facing complex issues, in addition to those we all face as individuals. From extreme, changing weather affecting growth and ultimately harvests, increased financial pressures as a result of Brexit, war and the cost of living crisis, and a mental health crisis unique to the industry.
For Emma, living and working in a country community, the knowledge that a nearby farmer is really struggling to cope is all too frequent. Many of our readers also work within agriculture, or live with those who do. For these reasons, we chose to fundraise for R.A.B.I also. We particularly connected with the free in-person counselling service they offer, providing quicker access to vital mental health support. R.A.B.I. also provide small grants to help purchase back to school uniform for families who do not have the means ro afford it themselves.
On Wednesday, I also met with Izzi Rainey who heads up Batesmoor Farm, also in Norfolk. Izzi rears Highland cattle and Lincoln Reds, in addition to running workshops to educate the public and help bridge the gap between ‘us and them’. Alongside the farm, Izzi is also a designer and runs Izzi Rainey with her best friend. This, whilst providing variety in her work, and different challenges, also provides an additional revenue stream during a time when farming is most definitely not a ‘get rich quick’ avenue to success.
When I asked Izzi what the biggest challenge she’s had to overcome so far, she responded with;
“For me, it’s the plethora of skills needed to be a farmer. You have to be a plumber, you have to be a whizz on machinery, you have to fix things all the time. I think sometimes I just feel a bit out of my depth, I wish I was so much better, but then I have to remind myself, I’m only 31. That’s my hardest thing, I just want to be someone who can do it all!”
So far, a running theme in each of the conversations I have had, has been, that there is an ongoing conscious effort to build mental resilience and to nurture a can do, glass half full attitude, even when things may be piling up against you.
In Northumberland, I had the pleasure of meeting Mhairi of Chillingham Manor B&B, though it is much more than that. It is a charming, characterful country house with the feeling of a family home thanks to Mhairi’s touch. Close by to historic attractions like Chillingham Wild Cattle, castles Bamburgh and Alnwick as well as The Holy Island of Lindisfarne and Northumberland National Park.
Driving through Northumberland was breathtaking, I found myself captivated by the dozens of rowan bushes lining the roadsides with their vibrant red berries.
Running the B&B with her husband Ed, Mhairi was humbly open about the realities of running a B&B out of her country home and the struggles it presents despite the outward appearance of grandeur.
Mhairi introduced me to nearby friends, Celia and Ralph Baker Cresswell of Budle Hall who kindly offered me a place to park up and camp for the night, and to join them for dinner. The location of Budle Hall is spectacular, it is right on the coastline and less than 5 minutes drive to Bamburgh Castle where I was able to embrace my inner viking!
So far, I have been humbled by the eagerness at which people, and ultimately strangers have welcomed me into their lives and homes, to share their stories with me. There is far more to be written on each of these individuals, but for now, I hope you’ll enjoy this update.
Today, I am in Scotland, where I have visited the small farm which my father grew up on, long before he was diagnosed with Pompe disease.
This life can be what you make it, if you chose to believe you can.
If you’re able to donate anything to either of our charities, or even, just to share to raise awareness, we, and the respective charities would be hugely grateful. The link is below: