Farming siblings in ultra triathlon challenge

A BROTHER and sister undertaking a 550km ultra triathlon across Ireland, Scotland and England to raise awareness of mental health in farming will stop in this region.

This September, Cumbrian endurance athletes Alex and Hugh Addison - above - will attempt a one-of-a-kind endurance challenge spanning Ireland, Scotland, and England.

Their aim is to raise awareness of the mental health crisis facing farmers in the UK and Ireland.

The event, entitled The Borderline Challenge, will see the siblings cycling, swimming the Irish Sea, and running in just four days.

They will set off from Sligo in Ireland, then swim the Irish Sea from Donaghadee to Portpatrick. From there they will cycle the 175km to Gretna; then run 125km along Hadrian’s Wall from Gretna to Tynemouth.

They say it will mirror the pressures faced daily by farmers and their families.

Hugh, who comes from a farming background in Kings Meaburn in Cumbria, said: “Farming is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world, but it’s also one of the toughest. Too many farmers struggle in silence with mental health. Through this challenge, we want to get people talking, raise awareness, and raise funds for the RABI, who do incredible work supporting the farming community.”

The challenge also spans a number of key locations for Alex and Hugh including the English and Scottish borders from where their paternal side stem.

Supporters will be able to track them online from September 13 via their website: www.theborderlinechallenge.co.uk