A Christmas convoy of tractors will soon be blazing a bright trail through south Warwickshire in aid of two local charities.
More than 40 tractors and farm vehicles festooned in festive lights will parade through towns and villages on December 13th to raise money for The Warwickshire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs and Warwick children’s charity Molly Ollys.
The Tractor Run will start at 5.30pm from Berkswell & Balsall Rugby Club, taking in Burton Green, Kenilworth, Leek Wootton, Warwick, Leamington and Cubbington and ending at Stoneleigh.
Proceeds will come from tractor drivers and passengers paying to join the Run as well as spectator collections en route.
One of the event organisers Issy Mason from The Warwickshire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs, said: “Fundraising this way is really what Young Farmers is about! Firstly, we like driving tractors! Combine it with some flashing lights – and I mean lots of flashing lights – music and some elves, and we have a fun fundraising idea.
“It is a great way to bring the general public and young farmers together – a real community spirit. It also gives the opportunity for our own Warwickshire Young Farmer members to participate and take pride in decorating their tractor. We will be offering prizes for the best dressed tractor – so many will take it very seriously! The lights make it a magnificent display of Christmas Magic.
“I think this event will have a permanent place in the Young Farmers Calendar in the future!”
She added: “Molly Ollys is a charity personally very close to my heart after losing my brother to a very rare form of cancer in 2011.”
Warwick-based Molly Ollys was established following the death of Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw’s eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer and marks its tenth anniversary this year.
The charity supports children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. It helps with emotional support and donates wishes, therapeutic toys and books to children directly and through hospitals across the UK.
Since Molly Ollys started more than £3 million has been raised to emotionally support children across the UK. Anyone wishing to donate can do so at https://www.mollyolly.co.uk/learn-about-donating/
Quote from Rachel if you want it! “It never ceases to amaze me how creative our supporters get with their fundraising ideas…this is one of the quirkiest and we’re very grateful to the Warwickshire Young Farmers Club for doing this to fundraise for us. Your money will make a real difference to the families we support.”
Warwickshire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs is a rural youth charity with over 400 members across ten clubs. It provides industry training, mental health support, social activities and more to young people in rural Warwickshire.
To donate to the Tractor Run visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wfyfc?utm_term=JnE83NDmv
Further details and registration are available at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSehxwjM1iBBy6AFbge3fPjsYr2jY55TP_eWnNKAf6a3Ywk-CA/viewform?fbclid=IwAR2lfMLaRM9NvA8PO1YbBGLExgrg80Hr9CbArpeX-f5nCCFqL9d_svgRBtY
