'Walk with us' - Laois locals urged to wear wellies to support bereaved farm families

Ireland's only support network for farm families impacted by serious injury and sudden death is encouraging people to support their inaugural fundraiser. 

Embrace FARM is inviting people to wear wellies wherever they are on January 31 as part of Wear Our Wellies (WOW) Day, be it in the office, classroom, supermarket, main street, or wherever else. 

It's hoped the unique fundraiser will encourage people from both urban and rural communities to become aware of the devastation of losing someone in a farming accident. 

The organisation has engaged more than 400 farm families since its creation in 2014 by Laois husband and wife, Brian and Norma Roahn, following the tragic loss of Brian's father Liam in a farming accident. 

Speaking ahead of WOW Day, Embrace FARM co-founder, Norma said, "By including farming and non-farming communities, we are highlighting the emotional and practical devastation a serious injury or sudden death has on a farming family and the wider impact on the local community and society. 

"So, your workplace, community group, family, or friends can all walk with us as we WOW on January 31st“. 

Funds raised will help Embrace FARM continue to host events such as the Annual Remembrance Service, family and widow bereavement weekends, and survivor support groups. 

It will also ensure that those in need can access a team of mentors who specialise in the areas of counselling, legal, financial, and farm business. 

Anyone interested in getting involved can do so in the following ways: 

Step 1: Register your WOW Day Fundraiser by clicking here  

Step 2: Choose how you would like to fundraise

Individuals can wear wellies and text FARM to 50300 to donate €4 to Embrace FARM, or friends can support you by donating directly to the WOW iDonate fundraising page. 

Smaller groups can get everyone to wear their wellies and donate funds to the WOW iDonate fundraising page, while larger groups can go a step further and also organise a welly throwing championship. 

Step 3:  Share your WOW day tagging Embrace FARM and using the hashtag #WOWEmbraceFARM.  

Step 4: Forward your proceeds through our WOW iDonate fundraising page, cheque, bank draft or transfer directly to Embrace FARM.  

Photography by Finbarr O'Rourke