A MIDDLEWICH farmer has helped to raise £14,000 for a group that supported her father.

Lisa Oakes, from Middlewich Young Farmers Club, presented the cheque with two others as they finished their roles on the Cheshire Dairy Team on May 28, with the donating going towards Cheshire Agricultural Chaplaincy.

Lisa, the diary queen, and her two dairy maids Hannah Crawford and Catherine Bull have spent the past year promoting Cheshire Young Farmers Club at events across the county.

Part of their work included creating a charity recipe book which sold 600 copies and hosting a 60s themed ball at Birch Hall Farm.

Lisa said: “I was really proud to present the cheque to the chaplaincy and I think they were surprised at how much we’d raised.

“Some of our recipe books were posted as far out as Devon, Cumbria and Buckinghamshire and we managed to break last years total so we were happy with that.

“It’s a charity close to our hearts because they provide support for the farming community in times of need, and particularly when my dad was ill they were there so I wanted to give back.

“I’d also just like to thank all of our sponsors who have helped along the way.”

Cheshire Agricultural chaplaincy covers Cheshire and Wirral in offering 24/7 support to the farming community.

As pastors and farmers, they are placed to help by understanding the language of farming and the issues that farmer face.

Lisa has been involved with the group since she was 13, now 22, she still believes it to be a great decision.

She said: “I’ve loved being involved with the group because it brings the farming community together.

“Sometimes the industry can be quite isolating so it’s good to know you’re surrounded by people in a similar situation to you.

“All of my best friends are from there, and I wouldn’t have had the confidence I have now without it.”

Lisa, Catherine and Hannah presented the cheque to Keith Ineson and Sharon Mayer from the chaplaincy as they stepped down at their annual Rally Day at Reaseheath College.

The Cheshire County Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs is the county’s rural youth organisation.

It heads a body of 12 young farmers’ clubs in Cheshire dedicated to supporting young people in agriculture and the countryside.

For more information visit cheshireyfc.co.uk.