This year’s iconic Pink Ladies’ Tractor Run has been hailed a success by organisers.
The event, which first took place in 2004, has raised more than £640,000 in aid of Cancer ResearchUK’s breast cancer appeal.
Organised by Annie Chapman BEM, the 2019 run took place on Sunday 7 July across south Norfolk and north Suffolk.
Starting at Thorpe Abbotts airfield the tractors then passed through Brockdish, Upper Weybread, Harleston, Pulham St. Mary, Rushall and Langmere.
Annie Chapman said: “Wow, what a day! Despite my tractor breaking down about half a mile from the finish and having to be towed back to the airfield, it was a tremendous day!
“Wonderful weather, stunningly decorated tractors and an amazing reception all round the route. Our local town of Harleston was, as usual, packed with well-wishers. It was a very emotional journey for some who have come through breast cancer, or who have lost someone to this disease.
“All we can do is continue to raise money for research into the causes and possible cure. But, a wonderful atmosphere from the start was enhanced by the sunshine!
“As with any event of this size 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 everyone else who helps to make this event happen, safely and smoothly.”
This year 118 tractors took part in the run. One of the ladies taking part, Lynne Ainge, had flown over from her holiday home in Ireland to take part in the event.
Lynne, from Broome, said: “I’m a Norfolk girl and I flew in from Ireland to take part in the tractor run because I lost my husband and dad to cancer.
“I’m a cancer survivor and that’s why I started doing the run because cancer research is so important, it does mean that people can survive for longer. It’s been a hard journey for me and I’ve got two friends who’ve just had breast cancer surgery and it just brings it home how important this event is.
“Everybody has a story and every person here is going through a range of emotions today but we have the camaraderie of women coming together for one cause.
“Coming through the gate to the picnic lunch stop is the hardest point for me. The first year I did the run my husband was here to meet me and he died later that same year. But I’m lucky, there’s always someone here for me.
“It’s not just the ladies who make this possible, most of the tractors are lent to us for the run so without the owners it wouldn’t happen and the back-up team do their bit to make sure it runs really well.”
The team hope that in the next few years the event will go on to raise a total of more than £1 million for Cancer Research UK’s breast cancer appeal.
To donate online please visit https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/unite/pink-ladies-tractor-road-run
For more information about the event please visit www.ladiestractorroadrun.co.uk
See BBC video here: www.facebook.com/bbcradionorfolk/videos/496556417762122/
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