Nominee Summary
A British world champion wheelchair racer and TV presenter.
Nominee – Qualities
Sammi Kinghorn is a great example of resilience, determination, and compassion—qualities that make her an exceptional nominee for the Rural Rising Star Award. Growing up on a farm in the Scottish Borders, Sammi has always had deep roots in rural life. After a life-changing accident on her family’s farm at the age of 14, she transformed personal adversity into a powerful force for good, becoming a Paralympic champion and an outspoken advocate for safety, inclusion, and rural community wellbeing. Her authenticity, tireless work ethic, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life make her not only a role model but a voice of strength and hope across the agricultural sector.
Nominee - Sectoral Impact
Sammi’s impact on the farming and agricultural sector goes beyond her athletic achievements—she is an influential advocate for farm safety, mental health, and public awareness of rural issues. As a speaker for the Farm Safety Foundation, she draws on her own experience to raise awareness of the often-overlooked dangers on farms, encouraging farmers to adopt a safety-first mindset. Through her work on programmes such as BBC Countryfile, she brings farming into national conversations. Her story resonates strongly within rural communities, inspiring safer practices and greater appreciation for the realities of modern farm life.
Nominee - Going the extra mile
Sammi has gone above and beyond in championing the values and challenges of rural life. Despite her demanding training and media commitments, she continues to dedicate time to support farming families by sharing her journey and advocating for critical issues like safety, mental resilience, and community connection. Whether through podcast interviews, school visits, or charity campaigns, she consistently uses her platform to uplift others and shine a light on rural stories. Sammi doesn’t just represent the rural community—she gives back to it with heart, humility, and a clear passion for making farming safer, more inclusive, and better understood by the wider public.