Virtual ploughing event raises £5,000 for air ambulance

A virtual ploughing competition inspired by the cancellation of local matches across the country due to the coronavirus pandemic has raised more than £5,000 for air ambulance charities.

VPlough saw competitors upload videos and photos, which were then judged virtually and awards given for ploughing and showing classes, including horse ploughing and best vintage tractor.

See also: Virtual ploughing match to support air ambulance charities

Entrants donated their class fee to their chosen air ambulance charity, which competition organiser Grapevine Events said provided a much-needed funding boost for the services, in the absence of agriculture shows and events this year, which are usually vital for fundraising.

See the pictures in this Facebook post.

The organisers said: “Without the geographical ties of a physical event, VPlough saw entrants from all over the UK, with one even entering from Canada.

“We are very proud to announce that in total in excess of £5,000 has been raised to support these invaluable charities.

“We’re grateful to many of the class winners, who also donated back their prize winnings, helping to boost our funds raised to this fantastic amount.

“We would like to thank NFU Mutual and Goodyear Tyres Europe for their incredible support as event sponsors and all the companies who provided individual sponsorship. Without them we simply could not have run the event.”

‘Fantastic event’

Air Ambulance UK, which represents the country’s 21 air ambulance charities, praised the fundraising efforts of everyone involved.

Operations and marketing director Nikki Wright said: “Congratulations on pulling off such a fantastic event during these trying times.

“Many thanks for all the fundraising efforts for the UK’s air ambulance charities, we’ve really enjoyed seeing your activities on social media – the coverage was excellent.”