PRESIDENT of Northumberland Young Farmers, Stuart Murray, is undertaking a mammoth walk round all the YFCs in the county in a bid to raise the profile of young farmers and raise £3000 for charity.

Stuart, of Wallridge, Ingoe, began his 165-mile circuit last weekend at Berwick.

The sales manager for Origin Fertilisers, which is also sponsoring his feat, began his trek last Friday when he left the bridge over the Tweed and walked down to the Holy Island causeway.

“From there, on the Saturday, I walked from Ilderton just south of Wooler for around 19 miles and on Sunday, I got myself to Lordenshaw in the Simonsides,” he said.

Although he’s been at work during the day, Stuart has continued each night, walking to Scots Gap on Monday; Cambo on Tuesday; Kirkwhelpington on Wednesday and then over to Bellingham today. Along the way, he’s been meeting up with young farmers from local clubs who have accompanied him for some of the miles.

“I decided to do this challenge firstly to raise the profile of Young Farmers club a little bit because they provide such a good environment for young people to meet up socially.

“There are good competitions, they hold debates, stock judging and the county rally is a real challenge.

“Also, I want to raise money for the Great North Air Ambulance and for Papyrus, the national charity for the prevention of young suicide, as suicide is the biggest killer of under 35 year olds.

“I got to the rally at Whitley Chapel by car last year, which was a feeble effort, so I set myself the challenge to walk round all 10 of our active clubs: Berwick, Coquetdale, Cambo, Heddon, Stamfordham, Bellingham, Haltwhistle, Shaftoe, Whitley Chapel, Tritlington and Alnwick.

“It’s also about putting out the message to young people that it’s good to go out of your comfort zone, and if a fat 54-year-old can do this, so can they!”

Blisters permitting, Stuart aims to finish his walk at Alnwick in time for the Northumberland County Rally on June 2.

You can sponsor him on the Virgin Money Giving website under Northumberland YFC walk with Stu.