Together, with the Manning Valley community Jock has collected $3200 to go towards the 'Burrumbuttock Hay Runners'.

Around 12 months ago Jock was struck by the work of the Hay Runners, a convoy of volunteer truck drivers who deliver bales of hay to farmers in dire need.

He donated to the cause, but Jock felt like he wanted to and could do more.

"I thought wouldn't it be great if all my Facebook friends donated $5," said Jock.

"We'd raise enough money to run two truck loads of hay.

"The donations of $5 didn't come in. The $20 and $50 donations started coming."

Donations from friends turned to heartfelt donations by strangers.

"I had an elderly lady come and see me one day," said Jock. "She gave me an envelope and on the front it said 'Donation to Hay Runners sorry I couldn't give more'."

Jock said the lady lived at Bunyah and when she heard Jock's call out for donations on the radio she was inspired to raise funds herself.

"She told me her hens were laying, so she got some egg cartons and sold the eggs in a basket on the side of the road, and this is the money she made. There was $105 in there, she did an amazing job."

Jock said the overall community support has been 'unreal'.

"It's a pretty awesome place we live in, there's so many people here that are happy to give and give and give," said Jock. "Everyone I spoke to has been super positive."

Contributions soon flowed in from community groups.

"I had a phone call from a lady from Taree North Rotary Club wanting to donate," said Jock.

"She handed me an envelop and inside was two cheques for $500 each from her club and Taree and District RSPCA and then another hundred from herself!"

Businesses jumped on board and donation buckets are now available at Bridgeys Sports Power, Country Clothing in Wingham and Coles in Wingham.

"My brother Craig Martin has been a huge help, he's pushed it hard for me," said Jock.

Jock's dedication to the Hay Runners is spurred by his own rural upbringing and connection to the land.

Jock, aka Grahame Martin, is the son of Australian cricketer the late Johnny Martin.

Jock grew up on a small dairy farm at Burrell Creek.

"We had a 100 acre farm that consisted of three dairies, the farm looked after three families back then," he said.

"It was all but finished by the time I started to grow up, so I saw very little of the dairy side of things.

"They ran a few beef cattle after that, probably more so up until Dad passed away in the early 90s."

Out of school Jock worked for National Foods, a dairy company in Taree, until the late 90s. He started a rural contracting business which he worked in until around three years after he needed two shoulder reconstructions. Jock sold the family farm in 2010 and moved to Old Bar. Now he runs a handy man business.

Jock is inspired by the work of Burrumbuttock Hay Runner founder Brendan Farrell. "He devotes so much time to what he does. He's got massive dreams for the hay run," said Jock.

Jock wants to keep the momentum going, and would like to keep sending money.

Later this year he would also like to organise an event for local farmers.

In the mean time he's happy to have a "yarn" to those interested in the Hay Runners. "It's been great to talk to people and explain to them what it's all about."

laura.polson@fairfaxmedia.com.au