Matt's mountainous challenge for charity

Matt Launder, 26, from Llanerfyl in Montgomeryshire, will tackle the gruelling climbing challenge to raise funds for the DPJ Foundation, the charity set-up by Emma Picton-Jones in memory of her late husband, Daniel, who took his own life after a prolonged battle with his mental health.

Matt, a member of NFU Cymru’s Next Generation Group, said: "While agriculture is a hugely exciting and dynamic industry to be a part of, it’s also a career that can bring enormous pressure and accentuate isolation – factors that can adversely affect mental wellbeing.

"Agriculture remains one of the sectors with the highest rate of suicide amongst its workers – figures suggest one farmer a week takes their life.

"The DPJ Foundation aims to breakdown the stigma that surrounds mental health and provides support services for people in rural communities affected by mental health, especially those working in agriculture."

Matt, accompanied by his brother, Dan, and brother-in-law George Collins, will walk around 76 miles of ascents and descents in 72 hours to support the work of a charity providing a vital service to the rural community in Wales. The trio will be supported by Matt’s other brother-in-law, Gareth Owen, who will be driving the group some 1,300 miles between peaks over the course of the challenge.

“Farming isn’t just a job; it’s a way of life. While there are so many aspects of it that are enjoyable, but farming does also bring significant challenges. There are times when it can be a lonely venture, while the pressures of running a business when there are so many external factors that can impact on your farming enterprise that are out of your control can also add to stress levels.

“Despite the challenges and difficulties we experience, many farmers do not open up about the effect that it has on their mental health, bottling up those anxieties and concerns

"The work that Emma and her team of volunteers are doing to support farmers and our rural communities is outstanding."

The challenge will begin on June13 at Ben Nevis before the team move to Ben Macdui and Ben Braeriach in Scotland, Scafell Pike, Helvellyn and The Old Man of Coniston in England.

They will then scale Snowdon and Cader Idris in Wales and finish the charity challenge by climbing Pen y Fan on June 16t.

“Every £37 we raise will help fund a session so that a farmer can receive support from the DPJ Foundation, so we’re hoping to raise as much as possible and fund as many sessions as we can.”

To sponsor Matt search for ‘Matt Launder’ on www.gofundme.com or if you want to sponsor one of the peaks or support the logistics email launderfarm@gmail.com.