The huge ‘tractor run’ raises money for charity and is a tribute to much-loved members of the farming community
A giant convoy of more than 100 tractors will once again drive through the rural streets of Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Derbyshire this December – and it’s all for an important cause.
The convoy, which has already raised thousands of pounds for The Christie Charity since its conception and will head out on Sunday, 29 December. The fundraising event is also a tribute to three much-loved members of the farming community, Harvey Mitchell, Lisa Messenger and Stuart Wainwright.
It was started in 2020 by agricultural contractor Ferguson Roylance. When his good friend and farming colleague Harvey died from cancer in December 2020, Ferguson wanted to do something in memory of him, and to say thanks to everyone at The Christie hospital for caring for Harvey.
“My aim, initially was to give people a chance to say goodbye to Harvey while raising money for the hospital that looked after him,” Ferguson shared.
“I’m not experienced in organising events, but it turned out to be a huge success – hundreds of people stood along the roads, socially distanced, to watch and wave as we passed by with our tractors. It was a heartfelt way to honour Harvey’s memory and support essential care for cancer patients and their families.”
Harvey’s funeral was restricted, due to the pandemic, so Ferguson and his partner Zara came up with the idea of organising a ‘tractor run’ where people could participate via social distancing and to let Harvey’s family and friends have the chance to say goodbye to him.
The following year another friend of the farming community Lisa Messenger died, so the fundraising tractor convoy was repeated to honour her as well.
The convoy is also in memory of Stuart Wainwright, who died in a farming accident in 2023.
The event has now become an annual tixture in the local calendar, since the inaugural event in 2020. The huge tractor convoy attracts thousands of onlookers across Poynton, Disley, New Mills, Marple and beyond.
Ferguson’s initial fundraising goal was £1,000 but it has now raised over £33,000 so far. Tractor drivers pay a donation of £20 to join in the convoy.
the tractor run will start at Hill Top Farm, Woodford, Bramhall, Stockport, Cheshire SK7 1PS at 11am on Sunday, 29 December and will incorporate several towns including Marple, New Mills, Hayfield, and Disley. The event finishes at around 5.30pm at Middlewood Road, where people will gather for refreshments.
The convoy, which has already raised thousands of pounds for The Christie Charity since its conception and will head out on Sunday, 29 December
Credit: J Media Group
“We’ve chosen Sunday, 29 December, as it’s a slightly quieter time for many farmers and there’s also less traffic on the roads,” adds Ferguson.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the support from the council, police, and emergency services in making this event possible. This is our way of honouring the memory of Harvey, Lisa, and Stuart while raising funds for a worthy cause.
Throughout the tractor convoy there will be opportunities to donate to The Christie Charity. Anyone is welcome to come along to watch the tractor convoy and/or donate here: Ferguson Roylance is fundraising for THE CHRISTIE CHARITY.
