‘Farming Forrest Gump’ raises £20k during 370-mile challenge

After 12 days of running and walking the length of Scotland, from John O’Groats to Gretna Green, the 31-year-old man from Turriff, fondly referred to as Scottish farming’s Forrest Gump, completed his latest challenge.  

This summer’s challenge followed a 184-mile coast-to-coast walk by Mr Maclellan wearing a pair of wellies, from Aberdeen to Morar, and a 24-hour challenge climbing Bennachie a staggering 17 times, the equivalent height of Mount Everest. 

The man raised £8,800 through his trio of challenges, with all proceeds going to the agricultural charity. 

Mr Maclellan’s fundraising efforts have been recognised by The Wiseman Family Charitable Fund, which has doubled the total raised to £20,000.   

‘Farming can be a very lonely and isolating job’

The Wiseman family, longstanding supporters of the work of RSABI, were so impressed with the man’s endeavours they got in touch to offer to double his total, as a show of support, taking the total he has raised to £20,000. 

“Duncan’s efforts in support of RSABI and to raise awareness of mental health in Scottish farming have been quite exceptional,” said Alan Wiseman. 

“We were very moved to hear about all he has done and the determination and resilience he has shown, and we are pleased to be able to make a contribution, very much inspired by Duncan’s efforts. Well done!” 

Mr Maclellan said he was “over the moon” to have raised £20,000 for the farming charity.

“This is incredible news – I am so touched by this generous gesture and hugely grateful to the Wiseman family for this recognition.  

“For those who don’t know my story, I’ve struggled with depression for more than 15 years. I hid it for the most part, but things really spiralled in 2022, and I attempted to take my own life. Since then, I’ve made a big effort to talk more openly and honestly about how I’m feeling. 

“There’s still some stigma around mental health, particularly for men, and that needs to change. Farming can be a very lonely and isolating job. There’s a lot of pressure, whether it’s financial, the weather, or the wider challenges the industry is facing. We’re not always great at looking after ourselves or talking about it, and I want to do what I can to help others speak up and get support when they need it. 

“The work done by RSABI to support those in the farming industry is a lifeline and very close to my heart. I want to thank everyone for their support and donations over the past year, as well as the support I received from the team at RSABI.” 

READ MORE: ‘Farming Forrest Gump’ takes on challenge to spread mental health awareness

Supporting people in agriculture during difficult times

Carol McLaren, chief executive of RSABI, added: “We’re incredibly proud of Duncan and beyond delighted that his efforts have earned this recognition from the Wiseman family, who have consistently supported the work of the charity over many years.  

“Our thanks to everyone who has donated to and supported Duncan’s challenges, and a special thanks to Alan Wiseman and family for their generosity in doubling Duncan’s total and helping us provide vital support to people in agriculture enduring difficult times. “ 

Any final donations would be gratefully received via JustGiving page.

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 website.

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 from 6pm to 2am and during weekends between 6pm on Friday and 6am on Monday)
• 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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