Pink Ladies Tractor
Pink Ladies’ Tractor Run. ©Jonathan Slack 2018

An iconic annual tractor run is set to turn south Norfolk pink as it returns for its 16th year.

The Pink Ladies’ Tractor Run first took place in 2004 and has since raised more than £640,000 in aidof Cancer Research UK’s breast cancer appeal.

Organised by Annie Chapman BEM, the annual run sees more than 100 pink tractors winding their way through south Norfolk on a route which starts at Thorpe Abbotts airfield before heading through Thorpe Abbotts, Brockdish, Upper Weybread and Harleston.

Annie said: “The amount raised to date is over £640,000.00 so we’ve still got a way to go to get to our million!

“Harleston is usually packed with supporting public and has a great atmosphere – with bunting, flags, many cheers and tears – it’s quite an emotional trip.”

The event takes place on Sunday 7 July leaving the airfield at 11.30am before reaching Harleston at 12.30pm. At 1pm the tractors stop at Gawdy Hall, north of Harleston, for a 2-hour picnic lunch break, to which everyone is invited.

Pink Ladies’ Tractor Run organiser Annie Chapman. ©Jonathan Slack 2018

The route back to Thorpe Abbotts airfield heads along North Green Road at Pulham St. Mary, through Rushall, Langmere and back to the airfield for about 4.30pm for a group photograph.

Annie said: “I’m just so grateful to all the hundreds of ladies who have taken part in this run over the years. Some of them have had breast cancer, some have lost someone close to them and everyone knows someone who has had it or is struggling with it.

“Some of these ladies have done all, or certainly, many of the runs. Sadly we have lost a few ladies over the years to breast cancer so each year we are pleased to welcome new ladies as the word gets around.

“As with any event of this size, usually well over a hundred tractors, it cannot be achieved without the support of many people. I would like to express my thanks to all tractor owners, land-owners, the many marshals, collecting ladies and anyone else who helps to make this event happen, safely and smoothly, (we hope)!”

Pink Ladies’ Tractor Run participants 2018. ©Jonathan Slack 2018

Enquiries from some newcomers has encouraged Annie to extend the closing date to the end of May. Anyone wishing to take part can download a form at www.ladiestractorroadrun.co.uk

To donate online please visit https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/unite/pink-ladies-tractor-road-run

All photos © Jonathan Slack 2018