A vibrant gathering of over 30 tractors took to the roads around Royal Wootton Bassett on Sunday for a “spooky” tractor run aimed at raising funds for the Yellow Wellies charity, dedicated to supporting farmers’ mental health. The event, organized by the Wiltshire Agricultural Preservation Group, successfully combined fun and awareness to highlight the challenges faced by those in the farming community.
Jamie Davies, chairman of the group and a contract farmer, expressed the dual purpose of the event: “We wanted to spread a little joy while also reminding everyone that it’s a difficult world out there for farmers.” The cause is particularly meaningful for Davies, who has experienced personal loss; he lost a friend to suicide, which has driven his commitment to the charity. “Yellow Wellies was there for me when I lost my friend. They helped pick me back up and reintegrate into the world,” he shared.
The event featured an impressive mix of vintage and modern tractors, as well as two Citroen 2CVs, a classic fire engine, and vintage military vehicles, all decked out in Halloween decorations. Participants covered over 30 miles, navigating through picturesque villages, bringing smiles to onlookers along the way.
Club member Joe Terry noted the enthusiastic response from the public: “The day ran very smoothly. We had an amazing turnout at the Sustain farm shop, where we started, with lots of people coming to see the vehicles.” He added that the turnout in the villages they passed through contributed to a fantastic atmosphere, highlighting the community’s support for the cause.
The initiative not only raised funds for Yellow Wellies but also served to brighten the days of farmers and foster a sense of community in a profession often marked by challenges. By combining awareness with celebration, the tractor run helped emphasize the importance of mental health support in the agricultural sector.
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