A County Durham tractor road run event has raised thousands of pounds for a children’s cancer charity on behalf of a young girl diagnosed with the disease last year.
Rachel Anderson, 41, from West Auckland, and Martyn Hodgson have so far raised £3,123 for Children’s Cancer North following their third tractor road run in Woodland, Bishop Auckland, on Sunday (May 19).
This year’s event raised money on behalf of Willow Hicks, five, who is now in remission after being diagnosed with a stage four Wilms’ tumour in August last year.
Ms Anderson and Mr Hodgson thanked those who helped with this year’s event, and also thanked those who donated.
They said: “We would like to thank everyone involved with this year’s tractor run.
“Raising money for Children's Cancer North on behalf of Willow Hicks, an amazing young lady who has recently rang the bell.
“So far, we have managed to raise an incredible £3,122.97. Thank you to everyone involved for all your efforts and donations that has made today such a huge success.
“Thank you to The Edge, Woodland, for raising money for us. Thank you for raffle prizes and donations from local businesses, Barnard Castle Freemasons and the public.”
This year’s charity event saw 56 tractors take part.
Willow underwent her last chemotherapy session in April, with her family being told she was in remission on April 23.
Speaking on the fundraiser, Willow’s mother, Rebecca Gargett, said: “It went absolutely brilliantly, Martyn and Rachel have done fantastic in organising it.
“It was brilliant to see so many people just come together to support Children’s Cancer North on behalf of Willow.
“95 per cent of people had never met Willow. To go out in force and support her, it was just brilliant.
“It was a really good day.”
Several fundraising events have been held on behalf of Willow to raise money for charity Children’s Cancer North (CCN).
Ms Anderson and Mr Hodgson thanked Angela and Yolanda Jewitt, of Lodge House Farm in Cornsay, for allowing them to use their farm for lunch and to hold the raffle.
They also thanked Wendy Hodgson, Gillian Anderson-Britton, Grace Anderson-Britton and Andrew Clark for their support on the day.
They also thanked Harry Nixon, Bob Anderson, and Mark Ingelby for their work on the day.
Here are more pictures from the day:
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here