Furness Tractor Run kicks into gear after week long delay

The Furness and District Tractor Run's 'Santa Special' was due to take place last Saturday, but the severe weather meant the event was delayed.

Not to be perturbed, the organisers have got it up and running again, with the fundraiser starting at 5:30pm from Ulverston Auction Mart.

Alan Irving, who organises the event alongside Karen Higgs, 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 lead tractor from September's event (Image: Furness and District Tractor Run)

Back in September, the tractor run raised £11,641.80 for St Mary's Hospice based in Ulverston, with the hope that the festive edition can repeat the trick.

The Santa Special will cover 27 miles from its start point in Ulverston, initially travelling through the town centre before reaching Croftlands, Birkrigg Common, and Little and Great Urswick.

Making their way through Dalton, Barrow, Askam and Kirkby-in-Furness, the tractors will make their final stops at the Grizebeck Community Hall and the Greyhound Inn.

Richard Cogger, Area Fundraising Manager for St Mary’s Hospice, explained how vital these fundraising events are for the charity.

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 by our community, which is why we are always extremely grateful to people in our community, like Alan and Karen, for their support.”

You can find the JustGiving page for Santa Special here.