West Sussex farmers raise record amount for Air Ambulance charity at tractor run
A West Sussex farmer organised a tractor run which raised a record amount for a life-saving charity which rescued his wife after a horse accident.
NFU West Sussex member Rupert Hoare has been organising tractor runs in the county with a team of friends and volunteers for the last three years to raise money for the Air Ambulance Kent, Surrey, Sussex.
Last month’s Christmas tractor run raised a record £36,371.54, surpassing the figure raised the year before by more than £12,000.
Mr Hoare, who runs a mixed family farm near Chichester, was inspired to support the charity after his wife was taken to hospital by an air ambulance after a horse-riding accident many years ago and after taking part in a tractor run for the Air Ambulance in Hampshire, where he learned more about their work.
Mr Hoare, who is on the NFU regional livestock board, said: “The Air Ambulance is an amazing charity and I am delighted that we have been able to raise such a fantastic amount of money for them.
“My wife was taken to hospital in an air ambulance many years ago and the charity helps so many people.
“The Air Ambulance provides a crucial service to farmers and people living and working in rural and urban communities, delivering vital medical care and getting people to hospital quickly in medical emergencies. Their work saves lives.
“It costs £56,000 a day to keep the Air Ambulance running so they need people to keep supporting them.
“You hope you would never have to need them, but it is great to know they are there in case.”
A total 114 tractors took part in the tractor run last month.
The tractors were driven from Funtington, through Westbourne, Southbourne, Nutbourne, Bosham, Fishbourne, Kingsham, around Chichester, through Mid Lavant, West Stoke, East Ashling and West Ashling.
Mr Hoare said he would like to thank everyone who took part, supported the event and made donations.