Farmers in Fenland to light up vehicles for Christmas tractor run
Dozens of tractors are expected for the annual event in aid of charity
Dozens of Cambridgeshire farmers are due to light up their vehicles today as part of a charity Christmas tractor run.
The annual event, organised by the Fenland Farmers group, began during the Clap for Carers campaign during the Covid pandemic and will run through Doddington, Wimblington and March.
It has since raised hundreds of pounds for different charities, including the 1st March Scout Group and Fenland Wildlife, as well as supporting children in hospital this Christmas which it will do again this year.
Tim Taylor chairs the Fenland Farmers group:
"My wife got respiratory issues and just before Covid, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and the hospital wouldn't have her in because of Covid being so dangerous to her, so I wanted to thank the NHS for looking after her," he said.
"So, we started the tractor run for one night, and here we are still going.
"The weather's completely against a lot of the drivers this year; I would still like to think we'd end up with 60 tractors, but I'd be happy with 50."
The tractor run has caught the attention of many families and friends since it started, with many vehicles covered in Christmas lights and decorations.
"We're people who will help as and where we can"
Tim said there isn't a specific amount of money he'd like the event to raise, but he hopes the convoy will help educate more people about the farming community.
"A lot of people seem to think us tractor drivers are nothing but a pain in the backside, blocking the roads especially when we're harvesting," he said.
"It's to show the other side of what farmers are; we're people that will help as and where and whenever we can in whatever the situation.
"Don't overtake us and cut straight in front of us as these tractors take some stopping now, so if we educate some road users to appreciate what we are and prevent one accident, mission accomplished.
"There'll be people waving, clapping and that makes the job worthwhile; when you see the smiles on kids' faces, that's all that matters to us."
The tractor run is due to start from 4pm at White Fen Farm, Doddington before finishing at City Road in March.