A procession of more than 100 tractors has raised £6,476.20 for charity, in loving memory of a member of the Bedfordshire farming community.
Tractors of all shapes and sizes came together for the Bedford and District Young Farmers Club annual tractor run at the end of December.
Travelling in a convoy, the tractors took a route through Wootton and surrounding villages including Turvey, Carlton and Harrold.
The rain didn’t dampen spirits and members of the public lined the streets to cheer them on as they passed by.
This was especially dedicated to the loving memory of Jane Helliwell, who was strongly involved with the club and was also the Bedfordshire Young Farmers’ County Organiser for thirteen years.
It has been announced that £6,476.20 has been raised for Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice from the tractor run. The club has also held additional events over previous months raising other donations for the Moggerhanger hospice, which cares for families across Bedfordshire.
The Young Farmers are currently supporting the hospice as their chosen charity, and plan to donate the total raised at the end of their fundraising activities later this year.
Rosie Billington, a member of the Bedford and District Young Farmers Club, said: “It was a brilliant day and we want to say a big thank you to everyone involved for their generous support. It was fantastic to see so many people turn out to watch and wave us on.
“Thank you to everyone who took part in our tractor run, including from our club and from Bedfordshire Young Farmers.
“There were lots of different types of tractors on display, including with lots of creative decorations. One was decorated with flowers and another had an inflatable Santa just to name a few – plus there were some beautiful vintage models too.
“We would also like to say a special thank you to the Helliwell family for their kind support. Our tractor run was in loving memory of Jane Helliwell, who was a much-loved member of our community. We are really pleased to have raised around £7,000 so far for
Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in tribute to her. We hope the funds raised will help to support local families when they need it.”
Jo Landucci, Senior Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, said: “From all of us at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, a huge thank you to everyone involved with this very special tractor run. It was a really fitting tribute. Thank you for your on-going support – the funds raised will help us to continue to provide our care and services and fill families’ last days with love.
“Our fundraising team are on hand to support any other clubs, organisations or individuals who might be looking to support a local charity in 2022.You can get in touch with us at stjohnsfundraising@sueryder.org or on 01767 642424.”
Find out more about Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice at sueryder.org/stjohns
