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Tractor run donates to children's ward and more

John Devine
BBC News, Cambridgeshire
Adam Harper A blue and green tractor at the centre front of the photo, both decorated with Christmas lights and Santa effigies, one of which is behind the wheel in the cab on the right, other tractors can be see in the background of a car park.Adam Harper
The convoy ended at a car park in March where people had a chance to look at all the vehicles taking part

A convoy of 70 tractors has raised £4,200 from public donations after driving around towns and villages in Cambridgeshire.

The Fenland Farmers social media group formed in 2021 during the coronavirus pandemic and has more than 900 members.

It has continued to grow and organises several fundraising activities throughout the year including the 14-mile tractor run in and around March on 22 December.

Ten local charities are to get about £300 each, with a further £1,000 going to a children's ward at a hospital.

John Devine/BBC Steve Neugebauer, 55, has a blue fleece over a black jumper, he is wearing a blue beany hat and has a computer and keyboard on a desk behind him, he is sitting in a small office.John Devine/BBC
Steve Neugebauer says the group started to "highlight the importance of agriculture" and to give the public an opportunity to see farm machinery close up

The Fenland Farmers, chairman, Steve Neugebauer, 55, said although he ran his own car repair business he came from a farming background, worked on farms in his younger days and has a collection of 11 vintage tractors.

One of them is converted to tow a specially-made sleigh to transport Santa in relative comfort.

"We started the Christmas tractor run in 2021 and collect cash donations at various locations," he said.

"We invited local charities, who otherwise don't receive official funding the chance to get some money."

He explained that a separate Christmas present donation was done by the group and the gifts and toys were taken in December by van to the children's ward at Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon.

When the gifts were dropped off the group were surprised to find out the ward did not receive any funding for toys or play equipment, so the committee decided to award them an extra £1,000, which Mr Neugebauer said led to some "tears of joy" from staff.

Katie-Marie Fowler A group of children and adults waving at a colourfully decorated grey vintage tractor festooned with fairy lights and pulling a trailer that looks like a sledge containing Santa dressed in traditional red costume with white beard and gloves waving back at the public.Katie-Marie Fowler
Tractors visited villages and towns around the Fenland in north-east Cambridgeshire

Zoe Wilkinson, play specialist co-ordinator at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We continue to be overwhelmed by the generosity of local groups and organisations – including the Fenland Farmers Group – who put our young patients and our hospitals front and centre of their donations.

"We cannot thank them enough for their kindness and support, and of course all the wonderful gifts at Christmas and indeed at other times of the year, that make such a difference to children who are in hospital."

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