MORE than 140 tractors turned out to take part in a charity run on Good Friday to raise funds and awareness of mental health charities dealing with suicide awareness.
Hamsterley Vintage Tractor Club turned their annual Easter rally into a charity event in memory of Butterknowle farmer Robert Thompson who died last year.
Organisers said they were bowled over by the amount of support.
Club chairman Joe Dobson said he was overwhelmed by the support for the event, which saw dozens of tractors of varying ages descend on the Cross Keys Inn, in Hamsterley, for the start of the run.
Previous rallies organised by the club have attracted about 45 vintage machines, however, farmers and tractor lovers from across the dales joined in the event, making it the largest turnout in the club’s history.
Before setting off on the rally, which went through Esperley, Cockfield and Woodland before heading into Hamsterley Forest, Mr Dobson read a statement from the Thompson family.
It said: “Our son, Robert was a caring, talented, intelligent, fun-loving young man, who, following a struggle with anxiety and depression, took his own life aged only 21 years.
“We feel overwhelmed and very humbled that Hamsterley Tractor Club are holding this charity tractor run in Robert’s memory and that so many of our friends and neighbours are supporting this event.”
Mr Dobson added the money raised from the tractor run would be split between Samaritans North East and If U Care Share Foundation.
He added everyone had been incredibly generous, though time would be needed to count the amount raised.
