Memorial tractor race to raise money for Air Ambulance

The race, on Sunday September 20, will be the second running of the event hosted by local agricultural machinery dealership Ben Burgess Coates and is in memory of the late branch mananger, Steve Trostler, who was tragically killed in a car accident last year.

The first running of the event was a huge success, with £3,100 raised for the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

This year’s event is being organised by a team of employees, led by Rebecca Miller and Nick Garrod, who have been planning it since August.

Rebecca said: “We are delighted that we are able to go ahead with the tractor run again this year. It was such a success last year and enjoyed by so many, so we are all looking forward to a fun-filled day which will be very welcome following the last few months.”

The tractors will leave Ben Burgess Coates at 10am and follow a 32-mile route, making a mid-point stop at The Three Tuns pub in Doddington.

To raise money, each entrant will be charged £10 and there will also be a tractor and trailer offering a ride to those who wish to take part in that way for £5. Spaces for that are limited and must be booked in advance.

There will also be a raffle draw at the end of the day which several local businesses have already donated prizes for.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, organisers have put various measures in place to ensure the safety of everyone taking part.

Tony Fincham, Coates branch manager, said, “We are limiting the number of entrants and are not accepting registrations on the day as we did last year, so participants must enter before the event to help us manage numbers and also stagger arrivals.

“We have received a number of entrants already and believe we can stage a safe and successful event, whilst raising money for a very worthwhile cause. Tractors of all ages, models and ages are welcome and our route map can be found on our website for those who wish to wave us by.”

Tammy Swiderski, Community Fundraiser for the East Anglian Air Ambulance, added: “The Steve Trostler Memorial Tractor Run was a huge success last year, raising almost enough money to sponsor one of our life-saving helicopter missions, which on average costs the charity £3500.

“We are delighted to see this event going ahead again this year and send everyone at the Ben Burgess Coates team a huge thank you for their continued support.

“East Anglian Air Ambulance is proud to have kept flying throughout the pandemic to continue to provide emergency care to those in need. The charity needs community support now more now than ever to keep its yellow helicopters flying and saving lives.”

Further information on the event and how to enter can be found here.