‘Tinsel Tractor Run’ raises £1,600 for Yorkshire Cancer Research

‘Tinsel Tractor Run’ raises £1,600 for Yorkshire Cancer Research content

A festive tractor run through Ripon and Boroughbridge has raised more than £1,600 for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Tractors with tinsel and Christmas lights making their way through the town

A close up photo of the tractors, decorated with lights and tinsel

The ‘Nidderdale Charity Tinsel Tractor Run’ saw 17 tractors set off from Tates Garden Centre in Ripon and parade through Boroughbridge before ending in Ripon Market Square.

Simon Dickinson, who helped organise the event, said: “My brother-in-law has been having treatment for bladder cancer this year, so Yorkshire Cancer Research is a charity that is important to me personally.

“I’m a window cleaner, and in my day to day work I often chat to people in the local community. It’s only then that you start to realise how many people have been affected by cancer.

“It was important to me that the funds raised from the tractor run went to supporting research and knowing that it is a Harrogate-based charity meant that it felt like the perfect fit.”

The event raised more than £1,600, far surpassing Simon’s initial target of £800.

He continued: “To raise that amount, in our first year of running the event, makes me really proud.”

Despite the below freezing temperatures, people lined the streets to see the tractors, decorated with tinsel and Christmas lights, make their way around the 21-mile route.

Quote from Simon Dickinson

“Even on rural roads there were groups stood watching and cheering us on. The whole community came together to support the event which is brilliant to see.”

The team behind the event now plans to make this part of the local community’s festive calendar by hosting the event annually in support of the charity.

Simon said: “There are so many people that put their own time and energy into making sure that this event was a success.

“From Matthew and his team at Café Nero who were incredible in offering hot drinks for the tractor drivers after spending an evening out in the cold, to Tates Garden Centre for their support in helping the event happen and West Yorkshire Vintage Club for helping with marshalling. We can’t thank people enough for their support.”

Fundraise for Yorkshire