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“People are so kind and children were coming up to us putting money in our buckets. Apparently they’d been saving up especially to donate, which is very heartwarming” – tenth Bardwell Tractor Run raises vital funds for worthy causes

Crowds lined the streets of rural Suffolk for an eye-catching charity tractor run that raised a staggering £8,000.

The bumper Bardwell event featured more than 100 vehicles of various ages and sizes, snaking their way through the countryside for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) and Suffolk MIND.

Spectators turned out in force, lining the streets as the dazzling convoy set off from Lower Chare Farm, in Stanton, before travelling through Walsham-le-Willows, Badwell Ash, Hunston, Norton, Tostock, Beyton, Hessett and Rougham.

After refreshments at the latter’s control tower museum, they wound their way to Thurston, Pakenham, Ixworth and Ixworth Thorpe, before arriving in Bardwell.

The tractor run has previously raised thousands for various good causes and this year was the tenth one.

Crowds gathered to clap and cheer as the vehicles passed through and, thanks to spectators giving generously and putting money in collection buckets, the event raised £8,100. That amount will be split between EACH and Suffolk MIND.

“I can’t believe how the event has grown over the years,” said organiser Lee Maddox.

“We had 40 tractors in the first year and this time we had 114. It’s amazing and I’m proud of what it’s become.

“It blows my mind how generous people are, including the farmers who give up their day at such a busy time of year.

“We wouldn’t have an event without them and we obviously wouldn’t be able to raise what we do without the generosity of the public, who always get behind us. I can’t stress that enough.

“Despite the challenging financial climate, people are so kind and children were coming up to us putting money in our buckets. Apparently they’d been saving up especially to donate, which is very heartwarming.

“It restores your faith in humanity and an event like this brings the best out in people. Thanks to them, we were able to raise an incredible amount of money.”

Various charities and worthy causes have benefitted down the years but this time it was the turn of EACH and Suffolk MIND.

With regards the former, Lee added: “My parents have always been big supporters, so it’s a charity I’ve always been aware of and admired.

“I like doing what I can to help and it’s something I feel very passionate about.”

The Bardwell Tractor run took place on 1st September and Lee said he was grateful to family and friends for their support, the team of marshals who gave up their time and the Frost family, who own Lower Chare Farm.

Anne Austin, Community Fundraiser for Suffolk and East Essex, said: “What an incredible amount of money. It’s so heartwarming to see so many local communities coming together in their support for the event.

“It sounds an amazing day and one of our long-serving volunteers, John Skoyles, who went along, said it was up there with the best events he’d ever attended.

“Our huge thanks go to Lee and his team, the tractor drivers and, of course, everyone who turned out and gave so generously. These funds will make a real difference and help us continue our vital work.”

Pictures: Angela Lord

Find our notes to editors here.

Keep in touch:

For further information about this release please contact:

Matt Plummer | Media and PR Manager | 07738 328058 | Matt.Plummer@each.org.uk

 

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