Farming couple raise £17,000 in memory of young daughter

A farming couple from Stonea in Cambridgeshire have completed a marathon tractor ride in memory of their daughter Mikayla, raising more than £17,000 for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (Each).

Alyson and Neil Clark travelled 990 miles from Land’s End to John o’Groats over five days last week, towing a candy pink trailer along the route in tribute to Mikayla, who passed away on 12 April.

Mikayla was diagnosed with a brain stem tumour just a few days after her fourth birthday, and died six months later. Much of that time, including the last few days, was spent at Each’s hospice in Milton.

The journey was made in a blue New Holland T7 225 tractor, supplied by Ely-based machinery distributer, G & J Peck.

The tractor ride was inspired by Mikayla, who loved to spend time on the farm with her dad, a 33-year-old farm manager for EH Morris (Stonea) Ltd.

(To boost Alyson and Neil’s fundraising total, visit their JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/Princess-Mikayla)

See also: Young farmers cycle 350 miles in aid of children’s hospice

“Mikayla had a love for life and loved being outdoors, especially being out on the farm with daddy as his co-pilot,” said Mrs Clark.

“Even as she began to get more poorly, she never let her illness stop her doing what she wanted – she was a very determined little girl.

“The care we received from Each at Milton was excellent. We received support from the Symptom Management Team, which was on hand 24 hours a day to give us advice.

“Every member of staff played a part in the care we received as a family.”

At Mikayla’s funeral balloons were released with messages of love. Mr and Mrs Clark did the same at John o’Groats, releasing three purple balloons to represent themselves and their two-year-old son Alfie, and 12 pink ones for Mikalya.

Mr Clark wished to thank everyone who has donated so far, and called for continued support to bring the fundraising total to over £20,000.

To boost Alyson and Neil’s fundraising total, visit their JustGiving page