Tom’s top to bottom trail (From Worcester News)

Tom’s top to bottom trail

2:23pm Monday 25th January 2010

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YOUNG Farmers in Worcestershire will be giving it some wellie in April when they set out on a 1,000-mile quad bike journey for charity.

A team of 15 drivers, both male and female, will take turns to pilot two new quads all the way from John O’Groats to Land’s End and then back to Torquay, Devon, for the Young Farmers’ National Convention.

The adventure is the idea of Tom Goodwin of Earls Croome, near Upton-upon-Severn, to mark his year as chairman of Worcestershire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs and all money raised will go to Acorns Children’s Hospice in Worcester and Diabetes UK.

The two Yamaha quads have been donated for the marathon by No Mark Equipment of Tenbury Wells and Tom is hoping to get the cost of a support vehicle and fuel for the trip covered, too, so all money raised through sponsorship can go directly to the charities. The young farmers, all aged 26 or under, will be leaving John O’Groats on April 17 and aim to have completed their journey by April 23.

Tom said: “I originally thought of driving two small tractors all the way but then realised that might be very hard work, so we settled for the quads instead.

“They can do 30-35 mph, although they only average about 20 mpg, so I have written to all the fuel companies in the UK and I hope to get them to chip in. We are also going to have a support vehicle following and we are trying to have that donated, too.”

Individual drivers will take over the quads for spells of three to four hours at a time, only travelling during daylight hours.

Tom said: “We have arranged overnight stops with other young farmers along the way, so at least we will get some rest. It will be a difficult challenge, it’s hardly travelling in style and we will be at the mercy of the elements but it’s nothing compared to the challenges faced by the two charities we are supporting and those who benefit from their work.

“Young Farmers’ Clubs always rise to a challenge and we’re hoping businesses and individuals in Worcestershire will support our efforts with donations.”

Anyone wishing to pledge a donation to Tom’s Top to Bottom Challenge should contact 01905 621616.

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