Macra na Feirme’s Queen of the Land, Karen Elliffe, is set to swap her designer wellies for a pair of sturdy running shoes, as she prepares to ‘muck in’ for charity.

With just a few weeks left until passing on her prestigious sash and crown, the fashionable Macra na Feirme star, said she wants to finish her “rollercoaster year” on a high by supporting two charities close to her heart – the Irish Kidney Association and Irish Cancer Society.

The full-time beef farmer, and member of Ballinagore Macra in Co. Westmeath, will brave the cold, muddy elements to take part in the annual October Mudfest obstacle challenge in Ballinalee, Co. Longford on Saturday, October 28.

She has set up a gofundme page for anyone who wishes to donate, with all funds going towards both charities. The decision to support both of these charities was taken due to Elliffe’s personal experiences.

In 2012, Elliffe was diagnosed with a genetic condition that affects her lungs.

Between traveling to and from Beaumont Hospital in Dublin to the clinic for treatment, I have seen first hand the incredible work the Irish Kidney Association does for patients waiting for transplant, it is remarkable.

“Also a family member has been on the transplant list for new lungs for years. The charity is wonderful for promoting the awareness of organ donor cards.

“I also chose the Irish Cancer Society as a number of family members through the years have fought cancer, and continue to do so with treatment,” she said.

I’ve had an incredible year and I really wanted to do give back to these two charities with the title before I hand it over next month.

Among her many talents, Elliffe – who has been very proactive about promoting the rural youth organisation and women in farming on television, radio and panel discussions over the last 12 months – is a skilled baker of cakes, treats and bread.

As such, she will host two coffee and cake-sale fundraisers this weekend at a local parish hall in Castletown Geoghegan. One on Saturday evening after mass and the other on Sunday morning after mass – with the aim of raising additional funds for the charities.

“Plenty of cakes, cupcakes and a large selection of sweet treats will be on offer to purchase and everyone is more than welcome to come along to show support,” she said.

Elliffe will pass on her crown to the 2017 winner at the WR Shaw Queen of the Land Festival, which is scheduled to take place on November 10-12, in Tullamore, Co. Offaly.