Tractor run brings in £7,000 for charity

Ollie Badstone was inspired to set up the event after becoming a volunteer with Riding For The Disabled (RDA).

Some years ago, Ollie went to watch his mum Jackie volunteer with the charity's Stafford branch at Rodbaston College, near Penkridge. He became enthralled by what he saw the riders, horses and volunteers achieve and was keen to get involved.

As soon as he was old enough to volunteer, he signed up and has been helping ever since. 

Now 18, Ollie is an agricultural apprentice, but still finds time to help. He came up with the idea for the fundraising tractor run following an RDA session, and set the wheels in motion, with the aim of raising a few hundred pounds to support the charity in its work.

Ollie's dad Mark agreed to help him ‘give it a go’. Ollie’s girlfriend Connie, also an agricultural apprentice, volunteered to help. They were amazed at how much support the event would receive.

In a colourful spectacle, some 32 tractors set out on December 21 from Moors Covert farm in Bednall, where Ollie works, and weaved its way round the countryside for 22 miles before ending up back at the farm. It ended up raising £7,077.38. 

A cheque was presented to the trustees during an RDA lesson at Rodbaston College. Ollie’s mum was a coach for the riders, while Ollie was leading a horse.

Ollie said: "I’ll be honest, I didn’t think it would be this good. I was hoping for a small amount of money to go to the Stafford & District RDA. I get to see what an amazing difference this charity makes to people who struggle to do some of the things we do on a daily basis. 

"This charity gives them a new perspective on how they are no different to anyone else, they can make lifelong friends within the groups and experience mental and physical support through horses."