Festive tractor runs raise hefty sums for charity
Tractors line up for the Isle of Man run © Michael Diehl Farmers across the country have been brightening up dark winter evenings and spreading Christmas cheer with a host of festive tractor runs – many raising funds for charity.
The Isle of Man Young Farmers’ Christmas tractor run took place last weekend, with more than 20 vehicles out on Saturday (6 December), covering the south of the island, and more than 30 lighting up the north of the island the following day, covering a total distance of more than 50 miles.
See also: Festive tractor runs return across the UK for Christmas
Delighting the community with its festive displays, the event has so far raised almost £7,500 for Isle Stand Up to Suicide and the Isle of Man Agricultural Benevolent Trust.
The Isle of Man run © Michael Diehl
Isle of Man YFC chairman Jacob Duggan said: “Last year we raised just over £18,000 with this event and I’m confident by the time all the money and sponsorship has been totalled we will break the £20,000 mark.”
The event is now in its seventh year and will have raised more than £100,000 once this year’s cash is added to the fundraising total.
Even the police force joined the event with their own tractor. “We’re lucky to be able to have this event as many others are now getting cancelled and don’t have the police support they need,” added Mr Duggan.
He thanked everyone involved for making the event a success. Online donations are still open.
Siôn Edwards with Carmarthen mayor Heledd-ap-Gwynfor © St Peters YFC
Bridging town and country gap
In Wales, St Peter’s YFC held its first Christmas tractor run at the beginning of December, with 54 brightly decorated tractors setting off from Carmarthen mart for an 11-mile route, taking farming right into the town.
The event raised £4,500 for the Wales Air Ambulance and St Peter’s YFC, and finished at the historic Boars Head in Carmarthen.
St Peter’s YFC chairman Siôn Edwards said he had been overwhelmed with the support for this first event: “It just goes to show how the farming community always turns out to support each other and good causes.”
St Peters YFC tractor run © St Peters YFC
Mental health support
South Herefordshire farmers also delighted the crowds as 100 tractors featuring snow and bubble machines made their way along a 22-mile route, taking in Putson, Little Dewchurch and Brockhampton on Saturday (6 December).
South Herefordshire tractor run © We Are Farming Minds
The tractor run, which included a social event, was organised by We are farming minds, a Herefordshire-based charity that helps farmers struggling with their mental health.
Emily Jones, charity manager said: “People went above and beyond, and the event was a great success, including a visit from Father Christmas, face painting and a great social event at the end.”
South Herefordshire tractor run © We Are Farming Minds
Central London set to sparkle
A further festive tractor run is planned for Wednesday (10 December) through central London.
The tractors are expected to head into the capital around 5pm and aim to take in as many London attractions as possible, including Regent Street, Parliament Square and Buckingham Palace.
Organised by Reliable Farmers – a group spanning five counties – the event builds on the back of last week’s IHT tractor protests, with around 15 to 20 tractors expected to participate.
William Finn-Kelsey, an arable farmer from North Buckinghamshire, told Farmers Weekly the event is sending a dual message.
“The government will not dictate to us on where and when we protest, but this is also to say thank you to the general public who have been so supportive of our cause,” he said.
The farmers aim to give out food parcels to the homeless along the route.