The Hills Ford Stages Rally has announced Shropshire Rural Support as one of its chosen charities for 2026, launching a new community initiative that celebrates volunteering, friendship and the organisations that help strengthen communities across Shropshire.
Called Where Community Begins, the campaign reflects the rally’s belief that motorsport is about far more than competition. Behind every event are hundreds of volunteers, clubs, officials and community organisations who give their time to help others and create something bigger than themselves.
While the Hills Ford Stages is best known for bringing top-level closed-road rallying to the county, the organisers believe the event is about much more than motorsport.
Behind every stage are hundreds of volunteers, marshals, officials, rescue crews, radio operators, medical teams and community organisations who freely give their time to help deliver one of Shropshire’s biggest sporting weekends. It is that spirit of community, friendship and looking out for one another that has made Shropshire Rural Support a natural partner for the rally.
For more than 35 years, Shropshire Rural Support has provided free, confidential support to people across the county’s farming and rural communities. Staff and trained volunteers, many with farming backgrounds themselves, offer a listening ear, practical support and help people find the right services when life becomes overwhelming.
The charity will have a presence at the new Hills Ford Stages Rally Festival at Weston Park on Saturday 19 September, where visitors will be able to meet the team, learn more about its work and discover the many ways local communities can support one another.
The Fundraising Manager at Shropshire Rural Support, said:
“We’re delighted to be working alongside the Hills Ford Stages Rally. While our organisations are very different, we share a common belief that strong communities are built by people supporting one another. Whether that’s through volunteering, community events, outreach or simply taking the time to have a conversation, those connections make a real difference.”
The organisers of the Hills Ford Stages Rally, said:
“People naturally see the rally cars, but behind every event are hundreds of volunteers and officials who give up their time because they enjoy being part of something bigger than themselves. That sense of community has always been one of rallying’s greatest strengths.
“Partnering with Shropshire Rural Support feels like a natural fit because both organisations recognise the importance of bringing people together and looking after one another. If our event can help encourage people to volunteer, join a club or simply discover a community where they feel they belong, then we’ve achieved something that reaches far beyond motorsport.”
The partnership marks the beginning of a wider community initiative that the Hills Ford Stages Rally will launch over the coming weeks, celebrating the clubs, volunteers and organisations that help strengthen communities across Shropshire.
The campaign, Where Community Begins, will share the stories of the people behind local clubs, charities and volunteering groups, highlighting how something as simple as joining a club or getting involved can create lifelong friendships, build confidence and help tackle isolation.
For the Hills Ford Stages Rally, supporting Shropshire Rural Support is not simply about fundraising during one weekend in September.
It is about working together to leave a lasting legacy by encouraging people to connect with others, become involved in their communities and discover that sometimes the first step towards changing a life is simply finding somewhere to belong.
Together, let’s celebrate the people behind our communities & Shropshire Rural Support.
Farming images courtesy of James Pugh Photography
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