Thame Tractor Run raises funds for Air Ambulance

A sponsored tractor run through the centre of Thame on Christmas Eve has raised more than £6,500 for Thames Valley Air Ambulance, and the organisers have indicated that the event will become a regular part of the town’s Christmas celebrations.

Image Courtesey of: Michael’s Agri Photography

The tractor run was organised by Jesse Smith, after his friend Granger Challis suggested the idea back in November. Granger helped by spreading the word via the social network group, AgriSocial. It soon became clear that the funds raised for the Thames valley Air Ambulance, smashed the original target of £500.

Expecting around 20 tractors to turn up for the parade, it was a huge surprise when almost 80 vehicles joind the run, as it set off from Thame town centre, where over 2,000 on-lookers had gathered to see the spectacle and put donations in the buckets as the parade went through. The route took the tractor run from Thame to Chinnor, along to Aston Rowant, through Adwell, Tetsworth and back to Thame. (See video by Peter Lambert) HERE:

Money raised on the day was later doubled by a donation from Thame-based John Deere dealer, Farol Ltd, and in the days since the event Jesse has received more than 30 messages from people asking that the tractor parade is run again next year.

Jesse was reported as saying: “I am truly thankful for everyone who came along and donated to this amazing charity. I am so proud of the work the Thames Valley Air Ambulance does for the community; it really means a lot to the farming community and everyone else.”

SOURCE: Famers Weekly