A woman from Lancaster is set to undertake an extraordinary challenge, aiming to milk 10,000 cows in just 10 days while traversing the length of Great Britain. Marie Stephenson, a 45-year-old agricultural professional from Warton, will embark on her ambitious journey from Scotland on 3 August 2026, heading south towards Devon over the subsequent 10-day period.
The initiative, dubbed the 'One Woman, 10 Days, 10,000 Milking Cows' challenge, is designed to generate crucial funds for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI). RABI is a charity dedicated to offering practical and emotional assistance to farmers across England and Wales, a sector often facing significant pressures.
Stephenson’s motivation stems from a deeply personal place, as she explained her desire to raise awareness for mental wellbeing and the intense physical demands inherent in farming. She recounted experiencing a series of personal losses within her family and local farming community, which highlighted the profound impact on individuals, families, and wider communities.
Having previously worked professionally on a dairy farm for over a year after university, Stephenson is well-acquainted with the intricacies of milking. She plans to visit a diverse range of parlours throughout her journey, utilising various machinery, including rotary systems that can milk up to 72 cows simultaneously, to achieve her daily target of approximately 1,000 cows. She acknowledged the physical toll this challenge might take, stating that support would be on hand should she experience issues like shoulder cramps.
Stephenson emphasised that farming can be an isolating profession and hopes her challenge will not only raise awareness but also 'bring some light to the farms I milk at and help open conversations about mental health in farming.' The RABI has confirmed that regional farm networks are actively coordinating routes to ensure Stephenson can successfully reach her ambitious 10,000-cow milestone.