Pendleside Vintage Tractor Road Run raises £4,000

The event went around just about everywhere in Pendleside and, despite the cool wind and rain, lots of people turned out to support it.

It is the fifth time it has taken place. Andrew (40) died four years ago after suffering cancer, and since then there have been memorial events to raise money for the Chemotherapy Unit at Royal Blackburn Hospital, the Rosemere Cancer Charity and Pendleside Hospice.

There were 132 historic farm vehicles involved. They set out from Rigg of England Farm at Fence and went through Newchurch, Barley, Sabden Fold, Higham, Fence, Wheatley Lane, Barrowford, Blacko and Roughlee.

Andrew’s sister Laura Standring and his friend Philip Sanderson organise it. Philip said: “It was the wettest night it has ever need – but it was the best night ever! We raised £4,000. We were so pleased.”

They set out at 5-30pm but it was 9pm before they arrived back at Rigg of England. The 132 vehicles involved meant 27 more than the last time. On their first run they raised £1,200, and last year it was £3,300. So, thanks to the people who go along to watch, it is getting higher each year.

Philip said: “Every place we went to we got tremendous support. At the end of Appleby Drive in Barrowford there were lots of kids sat on deck chairs. There were lots of people around in Blacko, Barrowford and Higham.”

People donated as the tractors passed. Members of Pendle Young Farmers were collecting it from them for the charities. Philip said: “It’s the most ever!”