A WOMAN from Glastonbury helped to raise just over £66,000 to support small-scale farmers in eastern Africa. 

Helen Newbrook completed the Growing Resilience and Opportunities for Women (GROW) for Good Challenge last month. 

In total, 12 women from the UK food and farming industry took part in the challenge, which involved cycling 75km across Kenya for Farm Africa. The aim is to raise £75,000 to support Farm Africa’s work supporting small-scale farmers in eastern Africa to grow and sell more, while adapting to climate change and protecting the environment.

READ MORE: Glastonbury woman to take on challenge for Farm Africa

The adventure involved a three-day 75 km cycle along country roads in Embu County, Kenya, visiting and working on farms run by female farmers. At each farm, the team helped with activities like composting and mulching. 

Helen, who works as a farm consultant for Savills, said: "We’ve seen and experienced first-hand the incredible impact that Farm Africa has had to female farmers in eastern Africa.

"We’ve been very warmly welcomed into farms and their communities, and the sense of happiness and optimism has been so inspiring – a real testament to Farm Africa and the valuable skills and knowledge they have introduced to the farmers through the regenerative agriculture project.

"It really has been the most humbling experience, especially knowing that the farmers work so hard and are totally connected to where their food comes from and how it is produced."

The team’s fundraising total stands at just over £66,000. Donations can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/grow-for-good.

Team GROW’s journey ended on Friday, October 25 with a round table event in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi.

The event brought together female industry leaders including representatives from farming and development sectors, exporters, academics and NGOs to spotlight the essential role that women play in building and scaling resilient global food systems.