The farming community pulls together for festive Christie fundraiser

A convoy of over 100 tractors will once again roll through the rural streets of Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and Derbyshire on Sunday, 29th December, raising vital funds for The Christie Charity.

The event, now a cherished annual tradition, pays tribute to three beloved members of the farming community: Harvey Mitchell, Lisa Messenger, and Stuart Wainwright.

The Tractor Run

This heartfelt initiative, which began in 2020, has grown to attract thousands of spectators along its route through Poynton, Disley, New Mills, Marple, and beyond.

The convoy has already raised over £33,000 for cancer care, thanks to the dedication of its organiser, Ferguson Roylance, a 24-year-old agricultural contractor from Whitegate.

Ferguson launched the tractor run after the death of his close friend and colleague, Harvey Mitchell, from cancer in December 2020.

Restricted by pandemic funeral regulations, he and his partner Zara devised the idea to allow Harvey’s loved ones to honor his memory while raising funds for The Christie, which cared for him.

“My aim, initially, was to give people a chance to say goodbye to Harvey while raising money for the hospital that looked after him,” Ferguson explained.

“I’m not experienced in organising events, but it turned out to be a huge success – hundreds of people stood along the roads, socially distanced, to watch and wave as we passed by with our tractors. It was a heartfelt way to honour Harvey’s memory and support essential care for cancer patients and their families.”

Honouring Lisa Messenger

The following year, the convoy also honoured Lisa Messenger, another cherished member of the farming community who passed away. This year, it remembers Stuart Wainwright, who tragically died in a farming accident in 2023.

Tractor drivers donate £20 to join the convoy, which begins at Hill Top Farm, Woodford, Stockport (SK7 1PS), at 11am. The route includes stops in Marple, New Mills, Hayfield, and Disley, concluding at Middlewood Road around 5:30pm, where refreshments will be available.

Spectators are encouraged to line the route and contribute to the cause, with donation opportunities available throughout the day.

“We’ve chosen Sunday, 29th December, as it’s a slightly quieter time for many farmers and there’s also less traffic on the roads,” Ferguson said.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the support from the council, police, and emergency services in making this event possible.

This is our way of honouring the memory of Harvey, Lisa, and Stuart while raising funds for a worthy cause.”

How to donate to the tractor run

The tractor run serves as a powerful reminder of community spirit and the enduring legacy of those it honours.

For anyone wishing to donate or learn more, visit Ferguson Roylance’s fundraising page for The Christie Charity by clicking here