West Sussex charity tractor run to remember teen who lost his life to cancer

Thomas, affectionately described as having been “born wearing John Deere overalls”, was diagnosed in December 2023 with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare soft tissue cancer that affects children and young people. Throughout his intensive treatment which included chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and countless hospital stays, Thomas met every challenge with humour, determination and an unwavering smile.

His care took place between Bluefin Ward in Worthing and the Piam Brown Unit in Southampton, where he and his family received ongoing specialist support. The charity Young Lives vs Cancer played a vital role in helping Thomas and his family, providing a dedicated social worker to help navigate the immense pressures that come with a childhood cancer diagnosis.

On his 16th birthday in April 2024, Thomas attended the inaugural Bluebell Tractor Run which was created in his honour by his friends at Chichester Young Farmers. With the support of The Duke of Norfolk the event brought together a procession of almost 100 tractors of all ages and sizes through Arundel in a celebration of the rural life Thomas loved. Tragically, Thomas passed away in April 2025, just 16 months after his diagnosis and just ten days before his 17th Birthday. This year, Thomas will be celebrated once again as the Arundel Bluebell Tractor returns on April 26, to raise even more funds for Young Lives vs Cancer in memory of Thomas Winters-Holmes.

Hollie Trezise, fundraising engagement manager at Young Lives vs Cancer, said: “Since its beginnings in 2024 The Arundel Bluebell Tractor Run has raised almost £16,000 for Young Lives vs Cancer. We rely on donations from events like this to fund our vital services for children, young people and their families, ensuring they get the support they need, when they need it.

So many families have already benefitted from money raised in honour of Thomas and it’s such an incredible legacy and testament to how loved Thomas was to know so many more people will be helped in the future. Thank you so much to everyone involved in organising this incredible event”

Last year more than 90 tractors joined The Arundel Bluebell Tractor Run, from beautifully restored vintage models to cutting‑edge modern machines. Organisers are hoping to welcome even more this year.

Thomas’s family said: “Keeping Thomas’s spirit, determination and cheeky smile alive is our way of surviving grief.”

The 2026 Arundel Bluebell Tractor Run will return on Sunday, April 26, starting from Hiorne Tower, Arundel at 11.30am and heading towards Arundel High Street. People from across the area are invited to come along and watch. To join in with your Tractor or 4x4, the charity asks for a donation of £25 per vehicle. Look for Arundel Bluebell Tractor Run on Facebook for all the details and for the route.

To make a donation in support of this event, visit www.Justgiving.com and search Arundel Bluebell Tractor Run 2026. There will also be a cash bucket collection in Arundel High-Street as the tractors pass through.

All donations will go to Young Lives vs Cancer, the leading UK charity for children and young people with cancer (0-25) and their families. The charity’s specialist social workers provide day-to-day support for children, young people and their families and their ten Homes from Home across the UK offer a free place for families to stay nearby to the hospital while they or their child is having treatment.