Furness tractor run raises £11,000 for Ulverston hospice

On September 3 65 tractors racked up the miles all in the name of charity, with the hospice receiving the cheque for £11,641.80 this week.

The run started at the Greyhound Inn in Grizebeck, traversing a large part of the Furness peninsula, and was organised by Alan Irving and Karen Higgs.

Mr Irving said: "The best thing about it is that we're local people working as a local community for a local charity, which means that people know where their money is going.

"We have drivers who come up to us and ask whether they can take part because they've got connections to the hospice - everyone seems to have a friend or family member who were cared for by St Mary's."

The pair took over organising the tractor run in 2019 and, after raising over £14,000 last year, they are still shocked by the level of support the area continues to show the event.

"It's absolutely fantastic that we can repeatedly reach these sorts of sums," Mr Irving added.

"The hospice were made up when we were able to hand over the cheque, especially because it's just something quirky that seems to do well every year."

Richard Cogger, Area Fundraising Manager for St Mary’s Hospice, wanted to pass on his sincere gratitude to the pair for their fundraising efforts and everyone who came out to support the event.

He said: "Our services are always free for patients and families but only 21% of our costs are covered by the Government.

"If our government funding started on January 1 each year, it would have all been spent by March 19 - everything we do after that is paid for our community, which is why we are always extremely grateful to people in our community, like Alan and Karen, for their support.”

The tractor run at the halfway stage (Image: Furness and District Tractor Run)

The event is now gearing up for its Santa Special involving 70 festively dressed tractors.

More information can be found at the Facebook page, including their JustGiving fundraiser.