Milton Keynes, UK, 18 September 2023 – The Volkswagen Amarok helped shine a headlight on farmers’ physical and mental wellbeing at the Farmers Weekly ‘Britain’s Fittest Farmer’ 2023 competition.
After battling through several rounds of challenging events, Hedi Wilson was crowned Fittest Farmer in the female under 40 category; John Carlisle in the male under 40 category; and Richard Peck in the mixed over 40s.
The final is comprised of a physical assault course designed to test the competitors’ speed, power and mental endurance, judged by Charles Anyan, an arable farmer from Lincolnshire, and Tom Kemp, the owner of Farm Fitness.
Established by the agricultural publication, Farmers Weekly in 2018, the annual contest – sponsored by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles – celebrates the nation’s farming community while championing fitness and mental wellbeing. This year’s event concluded this weekend in Dunmow, Essex.
As farming becomes increasingly mechanised and more office-based, it is more important than ever for farmers to stay fit and healthy by exercising. Furthermore, farming can be an isolating job, which is why it’s vital that farmers prioritise their mental wellbeing.
Andrew Meredith, Editor of Farmers Weekly, said: “Congratulations to this year’s winners of our Britain’s Fittest Farmer competition. This event helps to shine a light on the challenges that the nation’s farming community currently faces, which includes a mental health crisis. We are thankful for our sponsors, including Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, that amplify awareness of this incredibly important topic.”
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ sponsorship of ‘Britain’s Fittest Farmer’ 2023 aligns with the brand’s efforts to promote mental wellbeing across all sectors of trade, including its previous #DownTools partnership with Mental Health UK, keeping business running smoothly.
Laura Bignall, Brand and Performance Manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “Physical and mental health in any workplace is an incredibly important topic, but particularly so for those working in a key industry, such as farming. We’re proud to sponsor such a great initiative and use the platform we have to raise awareness.”
Those who attended the event in-person also had the chance to check out the Volkswagen Amarok, which was on display at the final. The pick-up truck is designed to facilitate work and recreational requirements, both on and off-road, with a robust design featuring advanced driver safety technology and the capacity to tow up to 3.5 tonnes.
