Young farmer organises 12th tractor run for charity

Sam, who is the fifth generation of his family farm in Lincolnshire, said he has always enjoyed helping other young people with disabilities to see that life is not always limiting. 

Last year, his tractor run, Farmer Brown’s Tractor Run, raised over £10,000 for St Barnabas Hospice – and it’s back this year on the 26^th October, this time raising money for Lincolnshire Rural Support Network.

Sam said: “I felt LRSN was a fitting choice of charity for this year given the current situation farmers find themselves in. The farming community play a big part in making this event a success so it feels right to be supporting a service that is there if any of them need support.”

Last year 96 tractors took part and Sam is keen to break the 100 tractors barrier this year. 

“You just have to be brave”

He developed an interest in restoring vintage tractors in his teenage years with the help of his granddad and other local men. “Once restored, I enjoyed driving round our local area and so decided to put together a small tractor run to raise money for charity,” he explained. 

“The first run was in 2012, the route was 15 miles long, we had 13 tractors and raised £300. 

“Since then, I have organised a run every year except 2020 (Covid) getting bigger and better each time. In October 2024 the route was 20 miles long, we had 96 tractors and raised £10,200 for St Barnabas Hospice.”

Having cerebral palsy and being a full-time wheelchair user means he’s unable to carry out the day-to-day farming tasks on the beef, arable and dairy farm – but Sam has always had a real passion for farming and rural life, saying: “I spent much of my early years sat in a wheelbarrow watching the cows being milked!”

Sam adds: “Despite having cerebral palsy, I have always been encouraged to look for my abilities rather than my disabilities – my family have never wrapped me in cotton wool! 

“I have always enjoyed helping other people with disabilities to see that life is not always limiting – you just have to be brave sometimes and give things a go.”

A lifeline for the farming community

The Lincolnshire Rural Support Network (LRSN) will be in attendance at the tractor run with its Health Hut.

The charity’s mission is to provide a lifeline to members of the agricultural and horticultural communities and allied industries across Lincolnshire.

It has a skilled and dedicated team of caseworkers, nurses, and volunteers who operate from the Humber to the Wash. 

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Emma Billings from the charity said: “LRSN provides a listening ear which fully understands the unique challenges that the agricultural and horticultural communities face during times of crisis, stress, and change. 

“Considering the significant political, economic, and social changes now impacting these industries, the need for this charity has never been greater. 

“From trading issues, succession planning, financial problems, relationship breakdowns, bereavements, and a growing sense of feeling overwhelmed, the calls to us have never been greater. Calls to LRSN for help have increased this year by over 96%.  

“Therefore, your support has never been more needed to help us make a real difference and to be able to continue the vital services that we provide:”

Taking part in the tractor run

Tractors will leave Farmer Brown’s Ice Cream, Huttoft, LN13 9RL, at 10am on an approximately 20-mile ride around the local countryside (tractors to arrive by 9:30).

The cost is £15 per tractor/driver, plus £5 per passenger, which includes a bacon bap and a tea or coffee.

All money raised will go to Lincolnshire Rural Support Network. New for this year, raffle tickets are also on sale now.

Contact Farmer Brown’s Ice Cream with any questions or to book a tractor in (booking not essential but preferred): 07946485549, on Facebook, or email farmerbrownstractorrun@outlook.com

Read more charity news.