Family and friends raise £88k in memory of farmer Neil Stewart
17th July 2025
Friends and family of Borders farmer Neil Stewart have completed a 100-mile walk in his memory and raised over £88,000 to spread mental health awareness in the farming community.
Mr Stewart from Kelso in the Scottish Borders tragically took his life in June 2024 at the age of 60.
His wife Caroline and their three children, Victoria, Emily, and Charlie, along with family and friends, had taken on a challenge to walk the length of the Kintyre Way between 2nd and 7th June 2025.
The walk, named ‘100 for One’, honoured Mr Stewart’s memory while shining a light on mental health challenges in agriculture.
Their efforts raised a phenomenal sum for RSABI, the charity supporting people in Scottish farming. The challenge fundraised £74,134.65, with Gift Aid contributions bringing the grand total to £88,726.69.
Driven by support and solidarity, the emotional 100-mile journey was an opportunity for the group to reflect and share fond memories of Mr Stewart.
The group said that kindness and generosity received throughout the walk, from heartfelt messages to generous donations from across the agricultural community and beyond, made this challenge even more special.
READ MORE: Family and friends walk 100 miles in memory of farmer Neil Stewart
READ MORE: ‘100 for One’ Kintyre Walk encourages farmers to #KeepTalking
Important message for farming community
Caroline Stewart said: “We are completely overwhelmed and so deeply thankful for the support we’ve received throughout this journey.
“The kindness, encouragement and solidarity shown, along with the amazing donations raised for RSABI, are what kept us going. Being surrounded by friends and family every step of the way meant the world to us.
“The walk was an opportunity to honour Neil, who we miss every day, while raising awareness of mental health within the farming community. If our message has managed to reach just one person and encouraged them to reach out for help, then it has been more than worth it.”
The family’s campaign has not only raised funds for RSABI’s vital support services, including its 24/7 helpline and free counselling, but has also helped to deliver the powerful message that no one in Scottish agriculture should feel alone.
Carol McLaren, RSABI chief executive, said: “The strength, courage, and determination shown by the Stewart family has been nothing short of inspirational.
“By bravely sharing Neil’s story, they have made a profound difference to the farming community, delivering an incredibly important message that no one in Scottish agriculture should feel alone and that help is available as well as raising over £70,000 in the process, a truly remarkable achievement.
“We are very grateful to everyone who walked, donated, or shared the ‘100 for One’ message. The impact of this collective effort will continue to support and inspire others long after the final mile was walked.”
To support the Stewart family’s ongoing fundraising, donations can still be made via JustGiving page here or by texting 100FORONE to 70450 to donate £20.
Get help
RSABI’s free confidential support service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by calling 0808 1234 555 (calls will not show up on phone bills) or through a confidential webchat service, available on RSABI’s website www.rsabi.org.uk.
If you are having thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help, speak to someone you trust or call one of these helplines:
- Samaritans: 116 123 (available 24/7)
- Breathing Space: 0800 83 85 87 (available Monday to Thursday 6pm to 2am. At weekends, open between Friday 6pm and Monday 6am)
- NHS 24 mental health hub on: 111 (available 24/7)
If you are ever in immediate danger or have the means to cause yourself harm, you should dial 999 and request an ambulance.
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