Little Grey Fergies raise more than £40,000 for cancer charity
© Gary Jones Photography Two restored Ferguson TE20 “Little Grey Fergie” tractors have completed a week-long journey the length of Wales, raising more than £40,000 for Cancer Research Wales.
Named Sion and Sian, the vintage tractors – actually sporting a yellow livery – set off from Caernarfon Castle on 21 June before arriving at Cardiff Castle on 28 June, following separate routes through Wales.
Sion travelled inland via Betws-y-Coed, Welshpool and Builth Wells, while Sian followed the west and south coasts, stopping at Aberystwyth, St Clears and Swansea.
See also: Tractor run raises thousands for DPJ Foundation
The fundraising initiative was launched by the Cardi Cranks, a classic vehicle club based in Penant, Ceredigion.
Members began restoring the tractors, sourced locally by club chairman John Lewis, 18 months ago with about 30 of the club’s 84 members helping with the project.
Community support
Gill and Huw Evans, who founded the club in 2022, chose to support Cancer Research Wales (CRW) because of the disease’s impact on families across the country.
“We felt that every family has been touched by this horrible disease. Everybody knows somebody that’s had, or is living with cancer,” said Mrs Evans.
Wales YFC also backed the challenge, with members helping to raise funds and support the team during the journey, including welcoming them for a Cancer Research Wales coffee morning on Thursday 25 June.
Wales YFC chairman Angharad Thomas, who has also chosen CRW as her nominated charity, said it was wonderful to combine the event with the Cardi Cranks Big Little Tractor Project, adding £250 to the fundraising pot.
One of the many highlights was an undisclosed visit to the MOD Army ranges on Epynt in West Wales where they were met by Major Andrew Butcher MBE, who will this year officially open the Royal Welsh Show at Builth Wells.
Despite minor setbacks, including a flat tyre on the support vehicle and loose exhaust bolts, both tractors completed the journey without major problems.
Future plans
Mrs Evans, who admitted she had not previously been a tractor enthusiast, described driving Sian as unforgettable.
“I can really appreciate now the craftsmanship of British engineering. I cannot believe how these two little tractors went, they just chugged along all day.”
The tractors will continue to promote the fundraising campaign before being auctioned to generate further donations for the charity.
