Set to bring plenty of cheer once again this festive season is not just Santa’s sleigh pulling up at Greater Manchester homes, but also a giant convoy of more than 100 tractors. The annual ‘tractor run’ which has raised thousands of pounds for The Christie Charity will once again drive through the rural streets of Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Derbyshire this December.
As well as drawing up a crowd and raising money for a great cause, the fundraising event is also a tribute to three much-loved members of the farming community, Harvey Mitchell, Lisa Messenger and Stuart Wainwright. For what has now become an annual fixture in the local calendar, since the inaugural event in 2020, the 100+ tractor convoy attracts thousands of onlookers across Poynton, Disley, New Mills, Marple and beyond.
The story behind the annual ‘tractor run’
The event is organised by 24-year-old agricultural-based contractor Ferguson Roylance from Whitegate, Cheshire. When his good friend and farming colleague Harvey Mitchell died from cancer in December 2020, Ferguson wanted to do something in memory of him, and to say thanks to everyone at The Christie hospital for caring for Harvey.
Harvey’s funeral was restricted, due to the pandemic, so Ferguson and his partner Zara came up with the idea of organising a ‘tractor run’ where people could participate via social distancing and to let Harvey’s family and friends have the chance to say goodbye to him.
“My aim, initially was to give people a chance to say goodbye to Harvey while raising money for the hospital that looked after him,” Ferguson Roylance said. “I’m not experienced in organising events, but it turned out to be a huge success – hundreds of people stood along the roads, socially distanced, to watch and wave as we passed by with our tractors. It was a heartfelt way to honour Harvey’s memory and support essential care for cancer patients and their families.”
The following year another friend of the farming community Lisa Messenger died, so the fundraising tractor convoy was repeated to honour her as well. The convoy is also in memory of Stuart Wainwright, who died in a farming accident in 2023.
Ferguson’s initial fundraising goal was £1,000 but it has now raised over £33,000 so far.
When and where will the convoy of tractors pass through Greater Manchester?
Tractor drivers pay a donation of £20 to join in the convoy, which will start at Hill Top Farm, Woodford, Bramhall, Stockport, SK7 1PS at 11am on Sunday 29th December and will incorporate several towns including Marple, New Mills, Hayfield, and Disley. The event finishes at around 5.30pm at Middlewood Road, where people will gather for refreshments.
Ferguson Roylance added: “We’ve chosen Sunday, 29th December, as it’s a slightly quieter time for many farmers and there’s also less traffic on the roads. We’re incredibly grateful for the support from the council, police, and emergency services in making this event possible. This is our way of honouring the memory of Harvey, Lisa, and Stuart while raising funds for a worthy cause.”
How to get involved
Throughout the tractor convoy there will be opportunities to donate to The Christie Charity. Anyone is welcome to come along to watch the tractor run through the villages and towns in Greater Manchester, Derbyshire and Cheshire and/or donate here, with proceeds going to The Christie Charity.