Tractors and tinsel will soon be taking over York villages, to make a difference for children at the York Hospital Children’s Ward.
The Alne Charity Tinsel Tractor Run is back for the second year running, hosted on Sunday 8 December.
50 tractors took part last year, and the event hopes to see up to 100 decorated tractors heading from Alne next month.
The event was launched to raise money for charities in the local area.
Organiser, Gemma Chapman, chose to raise money for the York Hospital Children’s Ward (17 & 18) this year as it’s a cause extremely close to her family’s heart.
Over the last two and a half years, the family have been, and continue to be, regular visitors to the ward for Gemma’s son Bertie.
Bertie has frequent respiratory and chest infections, which usually means he has to stay overnight in the Hospital.
Gemma said, “The doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants and the play-team are always incredibly supportive, friendly, kind, and caring to our son and to us.
“The level of care and support they provide is brilliant.”
They want to say a huge thank you to the team, and are hoping the Alne Charity Tinsel Tractor Run will fundraise enough money to help replenish, renew and improve the play facilities, resources, and toys on the ward.
Gemma explained that Bertie, along with other children, can be distracted from aches, pains and illness through playing.
“When Bertie is in hospital, hooked up to oxygen, on regular nebulizers, and feeling miserable, the happiness and smiles that a visit from the play-team, some toys and playtime brings to him, means the absolute world to us. It brings his sparkle back.” She added.
The event will be an exciting festive evening for the whole family, and welcomes everyone to come along and get involved.
The route will take the tractors from Alne, to Tollerton, Newton-on-Ouse, Linton-on-Ouse, Aldwark, Flawith, Tholthorpe, Myton-on-Swale, Helperby, Raskelf, Easingwold, Alne Station, and back to Alne Village Hall.
Gemma told YorkMix, “We’re really excited about this year’s tractor run and fundraising for the York Hospital Children’s Ward that means so much to us. We’re very grateful to local businesses for sponsoring the event and for donating raffle prizes. Also to the local community for all their support so far!”
The Alne Charity Tinsel Tractor Run is sponsored by Britcab Ltd, Allium Energy, S Winspear, and Forest Lane Fisheries.
The information is as follows:
- When?: Sunday 8th December
- Start time: Tractors depart from Alne Village Hall at 4pm
- Finish time: Tractors return to Alne Village Hall at 6.30pm for supper
- Entry: If you’ve got a tractor and want to take part, it’s £15 per tractor and driver and £10 per passenger (including supper)
To find out more, click here for the event link, here for the Facebook page, and here to make a donation on JustGiving.