Farmers have the chance to fire up their tractors and join an eye-catching convoy being organised to raise funds for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
The annual event is called Rupert’s Run, after a youngster – the grandson of an Aslacton farmer – who receives care at The Nook, in Framingham Earl.
Last year’s event featured tractors of various ages and sizes and helped raise nearly £2,800.
Preparations are now in full swing for the next run on Good Friday (18th April), and tractors both old and new are welcome to join in the fun, for a £10 donation.
The tractor run starts and finishes at Norfolk Gliding Club, Tibenham Airfield, at 10.30am.
“Last year was our seventh tractor run, and it’s blossomed into something very special,” said Peter Jarrett, who organises the event alongside wife Janine.
“Prior to it being called Rupert’s Run, we used to organise Good Friday tractor runs to EACH’s former hospice at Quidenham.
“Tractor drivers would donate money and bring Easter eggs, to leave for the children and their siblings at Quidenham.
“It was on the way home once I got chatting to a local farmer who told me about his grandson, Rupert, and his relationship with EACH.
“We therefore agreed to call the next Good Friday tractor run ‘Rupert’s Run’.”
Tractors (no trailers allowed) need to be road legal and insured, and the fun starts with pre-departure bacon rolls, tea and coffee available from Cloud9kitchen.
Then, at the end, farmers can enjoy a hog roast together available from Cloud9kitchen. Spectators are also welcome, but dogs must be on leads.
“All the tractor drivers make a donation to take part, and we’re supported by volunteers with buckets,” added Janine.
“It helps swell the coffers and people are very generous.
“It’s also an opportunity for everyone to meet and catch up before the demands of farming take over.
“The convoy is quite a spectacle and causes a real stir as the tractors snake their way around the surrounding villages.”
Rupert’s family, Peter and volunteer David Boulger are pictured presenting a cheque for £2,766 to EACH Senior Community Fundraiser Ellie Miller in 2024.
For more information, call Peter on 07880 711263. Anyone unable to take part but keen to make a donation can head here.
