A MEMORIAL Tractor Run in the Crediton area has raised more than £13,000 in aid of two charities, Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) and Devon Air Ambulance.
The Tractor Run, held on Sunday, September 27, was organised by Newton St Cyres YFC in memory of former member, Nathan Saunders.
The two charities which benefitted were chosen by the Saunders family.
Young Farmers from across Devon and local farmers took part in the event, which started at Rudge Rew Farm, Morchard Bishop.
The club said in its latest update: “What a day. This event was truly one of a kind, for one very special young lad.
“We started the weekend with not even 100 tractors booked in, but the support that came flooding in overnight and throughout the morning was absolutely incredible.
“By the time we set off, we had an amazing 179 tractors taking part, with people travelling from as far as Bude and Sidmouth to be there.”
One latecomer, from Templeton, increased the number of tractors which took part to 180.
The YFC added: “There are so many people to thank, and we simply couldn’t have made the day happen without you.
“First of all, a huge thank you to the Bailey family for hosting us and allowing us to bring everyone together to celebrate Nathan in such a special way.
“A massive thank you to everyone who gave up their time to help on the day — whether that was helping with the BBQ, tombola, parking, stewarding, or all the jobs that happen behind the scenes to keep an event like this running. Every single bit of help was hugely appreciated.
“Thank you to every single person who brought a tractor, donated, sponsored, volunteered, shared the event, or simply came along to support us. The amount of support shown for Nathan and his family has been absolutely overwhelming.
“With the incredible support from our sponsors and all the companies who helped us along the way, who will all receive the recognition they deserve, we are absolutely blown away to announce that the tractor run has raised over £13,000!
“A truly amazing day, filled with things Nathan loved.”
Nathan tragically died aged just 19 years on Tuesday, March 10 following an agricultural accident at Brittledown Farm, near Cheriton Bishop.
A true country lad, Nathan grew up on his family farm near Sandford, with a love for farming, agriculture and the outdoors.
Nathan’s Ford 4000 tractor which he was unable to finish restoring was completed by Alex Greenhalf and friends. It led the Tractor Run and was driven by Harry Grigg.
The Tractor Run left Morchard Bishop and went to Lapford, Thelbridge, Black Dog, Kennerleigh, Sandford, New Buildings and back to Morchard Bishop.
Harry Grigg and Milly Grigg were particularly thanked for organising the event.
A moment of silence to remember Nathan followed speeches and, before leaving, all of the drivers sounded their tractor air horns.
Hundreds of people watched the parade along the route, waving, cheering and giving rounds of applause in the villages.
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