Tractor rally helps to raise £6,300 for cancer charities

It was a day to remember for organisers of a tractor rally in West Suffolk.

A total of 65 vehicles, along with a selection of vintage lorries, took part in the event from Whepstead which helped to raise an amazing £6,300 for a cancer charity.

It was split between the My WiSH Charity, to benefit the Macmillan Unit at the West Suffolk Hospital, and the Macmillan Cancer Trust.

It was arranged by Kevin Mayes and Richard Ford and started at Whepstead Village Hall travelling through Hawstead, Stanningfield, Lawshall, Hartest, Brockley and returning to Whepstead with an estimated 500 people en route and at the village hall.

Kevin, who makes and sells hay and straw along with hiring out diggers from the village, said he wanted to arrange the event and raise the money after being treated for cancer at the hospital in Bury St Edmunds.

Held on a glorious day in May the money was raised via bucket collections.

A further £1,500 was collected for Whepstead Village Hall from the sale of hot dogs and burgers and four main prizes, which included a day at Newmarket races, a holiday lodge in Hawstead, a skip hire and a guided flight at Rattlesden Airfield were also auctioned off.

Seventy-one-year-old Kevin said: “I was treated for cancer at the hospital and I thought that I would give them something back for the wonderful care I received.

“I’m now clear of it but I have to go back every three months for check ups but so far so good.”

Speaking about the rally he said: “It was a very successful day and we would not have done it without the help of many people in the village. Everyone was very generous.

“We had people taking part who came from all over Suffolk including Bury and Mildenhall.”

Mr Mayes added: “We got exceptionally lucky with the weather, which only made the day that much better.

“We travelled slowly through the villages to allow people to enjoy the show and even stopped at the Hartest Crown for a drink.

“There were a number of comments asking us to make it an annual event, so we’re hoping to be back next year.”

And a cheque has been handed over to the My WiSH Charity, which supports the work of the West Suffolk Hospital, with the money directed towards the Macmillan Unit.

Sally Daniels, fundraising manager for My WiSH, was on hand to receive the donation and said: “We can’t thank Kevin, Richard and everyone involved in this fun day. They were so lucky with the weather and raised an absolutely amazing amount of money so they should be really proud of themselves.”