Last weekend saw the return of the Alne Charity Tinsel Tractor Run for the third year – and the charity event was a huge success.
Taking place on Sunday 7 December, the event was raising money for its two chosen charities: Lucy’s Legacy and Farm Safety Foundation – Yellow Wellies.
A total of 95 vehicles attended this year’s tractor run, all decorated with Christmas lights and decorations. Setting off from Alne, the tractors went through Tollerton, Newton-on-Ouse, Linton-on-Ouse, Aldwark, Flawith, Tholthorpe, Myton-on-Swale, Helperby, Raskelf, Easingwold, Crayke, and back to Alne.
Lucy’s Legacy was created in honour of Lucy Pearson, a farmer’s wife from the Ryedale area, who sadly lost her life in September 2024 after suffering with postnatal depression, leaving behind her husband and two young children.
In collaboration with Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale Mind, Lucy’s friends and family set up Lucy’s Legacy, with the aim of raising awareness and funds to support those struggling with maternal mental health issues.
Since its formation in 2014, the Farm Safety Foundation has been working closely with Young Farmers’ Clubs across the UK, the Health & Safety Executive, HSENI and other key industry stakeholders across the UK and beyond to engage and inspire young farmers aged between 16 and 40 to challenge and change their attitudes and behaviours around risk-taking and poor mental health that continue to affect the industry.
The charity aims to reduce the number of avoidable deaths on our farms.
People were out lining the streets along the route for the event. “It really was brilliant to have the local communities out to support us all along the route,” said a spokesperson for the event.
And YorkMix brought our roadshow to the Market Place, adding even more festive fun to the evening for everyone watching in Easingwold.
This year’s Best Decorated Tractor was won by Charles and Toby Newland, with their John Deere 6R185 carrying Santa Claus and his reindeer in the loader bucket.
The event has so far raised a total amount of just over £7000, with the money being shared equally between the two chosen charities.
The organisers also want to give a “big thanks to all of the local business who donated lots of great prizes to our raffle.
“Thanks also go to our wonderful team of volunteers who do an excellent job every year to make sure the event runs smoothly. We couldn’t do it without you!”
If you would still like to make a donation, visit their JustGiving page here.
