Fresh produce industry team to tackle York relay in support of vital emergency services for rural communities

A team from British Growers Association will be taking to the streets of York on Sunday 18 October as part of the Yorkshire Marathon Relay, raising funds for the Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance.

The six-strong team will be joining thousands of participants at the annual event, with each runner taking on a section of the relay in support of the charity, which provides a vital emergency service to communities across Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and beyond.

The team hopes to generate support from across the fresh produce and horticultural industries, as well as the wider local community.

The charity provides critical care at the scene of serious incidents, bringing specialist medical teams and equipment to patients when every second counts. For those living and working in rural areas, where access to emergency services can be particularly challenging, this service can make a life-changing difference.

Clare Pritchard for British Growers said:

“We’re really looking forward to taking part in the Yorkshire Marathon Relay and raising money for such an important cause.

“Working in the fresh produce industry, we know just how important it is to have access to emergency services, particularly in rural communities where growers and their teams work. The Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance provides an invaluable service, and we’re delighted to be able to do our bit to support them.

“We’d be incredibly grateful for any donations, however big or small, and for the support of our colleagues, members, friends and families as we take on the challenge.”

The team is encouraging individuals and businesses across the industry to get behind the fundraising effort and help them reach their target.

Donations can be made via the team’s JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/british-growers-association

Members of the British Growers Association are lacing up their trainers and beginning their training journey ahead of this year’s York Marathon Team Relay on 18 October 2026.

We are proud to be raising funds for the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance, a vital service that provides rapid, lifesaving care to people across our rural communities. As an industry rooted in the countryside, many of us work in locations where immediate medical support can be difficult to access, making the Air Ambulance an essential lifeline when every second counts. By supporting this incredible charity, we hope to help ensure they can continue delivering critical care whenever and wherever it is needed.

We encourage all members and supporters to follow the team’s progress over the coming months and, if you are able, to show your support by making a donation.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/british-growers-association

Your encouragement and generosity will make a real difference—not only in motivating our runners, but in supporting a lifesaving service.

We wish the team the very best of luck as training begins!

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View the press release here: INNOVATE UK – FUSED – Press Release

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British Growers Join OFC Organisers

Stepping up and getting involved is very much at the heart of the Oxford Farming
Conference (OFC) ethos and, following the retirement of the previous Secretariat, British
Growers Association has joined the ranks.

The British Growers Association, which has all the skills needed at its fingertips with its work
providing a centralised shared administrative, accountancy, events and conference services
for its existing members, is already busy ensuring the smooth running of the OFC.

Lisa Eagles, Managing Director of British Growers, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have
been given the opportunity to work with The Oxford Farming Conference, a prestigious
annual event which brings together the farming industry to discuss and debate big issues”.

“The Oxford Farming Conference Secretariat appointment enhances our portfolio of clients
and we look forward to developing a strong partnership.”

Pauline Sutton, Client Manager at British Growers, is heading up the secretariat team which
is responsible for administration, ticket sales and outreach programmes (Inspire, Scholars
and Bursaries), as well as the wider organisation administration and management of the
voluntary Board.

They join Hawk AV, Jane Craigie Marketing (JCM), and Clare Greener (partnership and
sponsorship).

The theme for this year’s conference, the Power of Diversity, aims to celebrate all aspects of
diversity – people, farming systems, genetics, and markets, to name just a few. True to the
mission of the OFC, it will also explore the diversity of thought and opinion.

Chair of #OFC24, Welsh beef and arable farmer Will Evans, 45, praised British Growers for
taking on the “key role” of conference secretariat.

“I’m delighted to be working with British Growers,” said Will. “They bring a wealth of
experience to this key role and it’s great to know that with them at the helm all the
information will be in place for a fantastic conference.”

To find out more visit www.ofc.org.uk