Pink Ladies press on towards £1m funding with tractor run

A convoy of 112 tractors festooned in pink flowers and flags, driven by women, took to the roads of Norfolk and Suffolk on Sunday (3 July) to raise money for breast cancer research.

It is 18 years since the Pink Ladies’ Tractor Road Run was established and this year’s event has helped to nudge the total sum raised for Cancer Research UK towards £1m.

It wasn’t just the tractors dressed in pink – houses along the route were bedecked with bunting, banners and flags in this symbolic colour.

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Organiser Annie Chapman was driving one of the oldest tractors on the run – a 1950 David Brown Cropmaster. She admits that the event was a very emotional one.

“Everyone knows someone who has had cancer and the support means so much because all we can do is raise money to help with research. What else can we do?”

The event could not have happened without the support of many people, she added.

“I would like to thank everyone involved, all the drivers, all the people who lend tractors, the landowners, the many marshals, collection ladies and anyone else who helps to make this event happen. It’s a large team effort.”

Multiple runs

Some of the participants have notched up multiple runs, including Joanne Grimmer, of Great Moulton, Norfolk, who has taken part in 17 events.

“The reason behind our motivation is that cancer is relentless, and everyone is affected by it,” she said.

© Jono Slack

“We’ve lost ladies who have done the run previously and this is why we can’t stop raising awareness and money for Cancer Research UK’s breast cancer appeal.”

There were also 29 women taking part for the first time – Ebony Ayton being among those.

She was overwhelmed by the support of the crowds with people in towns, villages, laybys and gardens cheering along the route.

“It does make it feel nice – it’s so sweet when you see people cheering and whistling,” she said.

The amount of money raised from this year’s event will be announced in September, but donations can still be made online.