A Stirlingshire farming family is giving back to the charity that supported them through the loss of their beloved husband and father, naming RSABI as one of the charity partners for this year’s Thornhill 10K.
Pam Black and her family have chosen to support the Scottish agricultural charity after turning to RSABI for help following the sudden loss of Steven Black, a well-known local dairy farmer who passed away in 2020 after a short battle with the rare and aggressive Duodenal Cancer.
Now in its fifth year, the family is encouraging farmers, agricultural workers and rural businesses to join them in honouring Steven’s memory while supporting causes close to the family’s heart, by taking part in this year’s race, on Sunday 10th May.
Pam Black said: “When we lost Steven, I turned to RSABI. They were there to help with emotional bereavement support which was a huge help to me after we lost him so suddenly.
“Farming is a very tough industry to be working in at the moment, and RSABI does an incredible job supporting the farming community and anyone working in agriculture, so it feels like a particularly important time to give back by choosing them as a charity partner for this year’s event.”
Returning to Thornhill Community Hall, just 20 minutes from Stirling, the much-loved event has raised more than £40,000 since it was first launched in 2022 and welcomed around 900 runners in 2025, cementing its place as one of the area’s most popular community races.
About far more than the miles covered on the road, the Thornhill 10K was inspired by Steven’s close friend, Neil MacLaren, who, shortly after Steven’s passing, embarked on an extraordinary challenge, running 10K every day for a year to raise funds for Beatson Cancer Charity. Neil completed the challenge in April 2021, raising more than £10,000.
Since its launch, Steven and Neil’s families have worked alongside Tay Fitness Events to organise the race each year, bringing the local community together while continuing the fight against cancer in Steven’s memory.
This year RSABI joins Beatson Cancer Charity as a charity partner, helping to raise awareness and support for two important causes.
To this day, the race follows the same scenic Round the Frews Loop route Neil ran through all weathers during his year-long challenge. The route also holds deep personal meaning for the Black family, passing the end of the farm road. For the family, it brings comfort to know Steven is “looking down on the farm” and seeing hundreds of runners pass by in his memory.
Each year, the event brings together the local community in a unique and uplifting way. Along the route, musicians entertain runners, and refreshments are provided as part of the fundraising efforts. In warmer years, even a sprinkler system has been set up to help keep participants cool.
Open to all ages and abilities, the event also includes a 2.5K option, encouraging everyone from seasoned runners to complete beginners to take part.
The community spirit behind the event continues to grow, with Pam and her family recently launching a Thornhill running club. Held on Friday evenings and open to all abilities, the club aims to encourage more farmers and members of the local community to get active and prepare to take part in the race.
Pam added: “The Thornhill 10K has grown beyond anything we could have imagined. To see hundreds of people taking part each year in Steven’s memory, raising money and supporting each other, is incredibly special. We are so grateful to everyone who has taken part and supported the event over the years, and it means a lot to have RSABI involved this year too.”
RSABI is there to support people across Scottish agriculture through difficult times, and the charity is encouraging farmers and others working in the sector to consider taking part as a way to focus on fitness, take a break from the pressures of the farm and prioritise their wellbeing.
Pauline Macmillan, Head of Fundraising at RSABI, said: “Working in agriculture can be incredibly demanding, and it’s easy for farmers and those working in the sector to put their own health and wellbeing to the bottom of the list.
“Events like the Thornhill 10K are a fantastic reminder for farmers to keep their health and fitness at front of mind, and it’s also a great opportunity for them to get away from the farm for a few hours and a chance to connect with others. Whether you’re an experienced runner or just starting out, setting a goal like this can be hugely positive for both physical and mental wellbeing.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Black family for choosing to support RSABI in this way, and we’d love to see a strong turnout from the farming community this year.”
In an effort to help highlight the benefits of keeping active and taking time away from the daily demands of farming, RSABI is looking to hear from anyone in the agriculture industry who is planning to run the Thornhill 10K and would be willing to share how they are training in the lead-up to the race.
Farmers or those working in agriculture who are planning to take part and would be happy to share their training journey are encouraged to get in touch by emailing Nicola.Youngson@rsabi.org.uk
Entries for the Thornhill 10K are now open, with £2 from every entry going to charity alongside fundraising on the day. Those looking to take part are encouraged to sign up early as places are expected to fill quickly, by heading to tayfitness.com/events/thornhill-10k/
RSABI provides free practical, financial and emotional support – including counselling services – to people involved in Scottish agriculture. Support is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by calling 0808 1234 555 (calls will not appear on phone bills) or through the confidential webchat service at www.rsabi.org.uk.
Image caption:
Left to Right – Margo Wills RSABI, Katie Brisbane, Yvonne Arnott, Pam Black, Irene Scott RSABI, Kirsty Macaskill RSABI