A series of celebrations and fundraisers, organised by Carluke Young Farmers Club (CYFC) for its 80th anniversary, has resulted in almost £5000 being raised for agricultural charity RSABI.

Celebrations included an 80th anniversary brunch at Carstairs Village Community Hall, with members of the CYFC and family enjoying a fun-filled day of eating, drinking, raffles and live entertainment to raise money for the charity. Organised by the CYFC committee, the occasion raised a total of £2200, with a cheque from the day being presented at the club’s Annual General Meeting on March 12.

Over the anniversary year, CYFC held a series of events with the aim of bringing past, present and future members together to fundraise for RSABI. Alongside the impressive fundraising at the brunch, the CYFC organised a Three Peaks Challenge with 75 past and present CYFC members climbing a total height of 2191m to reach the summit of the three peaks of Lanarkshire - Green Lowther, Culter Fell and Tinto. Battling the dreich and drizzly weather, the climbers secured an impressive £2459 for their efforts, taking the total raised by the CYFC to £4679.

Carluke Young Farmers Club leader, Amy Douglas, said: “We had a series of great fundraising events and initiatives, which we wanted to organise in aid of RSABI due to the vital work they do in supporting those in the rural industry.

“We’re grateful to everyone who came along and chipped in, either at our brunch or Three Peaks Challenge, to raise funds for such a great cause.”

Carluke Young Farmers Club 80th anniversary secretary, Fiona Parkin, said: “We had a wonderful time organising our fundraising events and want to thank everyone who donated. RSABI initiatives such as their #KeepTalking campaign are so important to the agricultural community. The campaign encourages everyone to look out for one another and come together, which is what we did in order to show our support for their cause.”

Head of fundraising, RSABI, Pauline Macmillan, added: “We are very grateful to the Carluke Young Farmers Club for their support and for helping to raise vital funds for RSABI.

“As well as being terrific fundraisers, the events have also been a great opportunity for farming folk to get together and enjoy each other’s company, something we are passionate about promoting via initiatives like our #keeptalking campaign.”

RSABI offers free practical, financial, and emotional support including counselling services, delivered quickly after receiving the initial enquiry. Its free confidential support service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by calling 0808 1234 555 (calls won’t show up on phone bills) or through a confidential webchat service, available on RSABI’s website www.rsabi.org.uk.