Hampshire tractor run raises thousands for MS Society

Dozens of young farmers have taken part in a charity tractor run across Hampshire, raising thousands of pounds for the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society.

About 40 tractors, supported by more than 70 young farmers, friends and family, drove the 35-mile route on Sunday (31 October).

The event was organised by Thomas Gregory from South East Hants Young Farmers’ Club and has already raised more than £3,000 for the charity.

See also: Where farmers in need can find charity help

Mr Gregory said he organised the tractor run after his mum Clare was diagnosed with the autoimmune condition in February.

However, with the tractor run looming, Mr Gregory suffered his own personal setback.

“I got my hand trapped in a silage trailer last week and was in hospital from Tuesday to Friday,” he revealed.

“It meant I had to sort out the final arrangements from my hospital bed and only just made it out in time.”

But he added that all of the efforts and the work put in by his fellow club members and his sister Lucy had been worthwhile.

“The support as we drove through the local villages was immense,” said Mr Gregory.

© Harry Emery

“High streets were packed as we drove through. Donations we received on the day and from a raffle have really boosted the money raised.”

Mrs Gregory, a beef farmer and former Hampshire YFC chairwoman, said the event had been emotional.

“I was quite choked up, it’s quite emotional – they’ve never had as many as this along for an event before,” she told Portsmouth’s The News website.

‘It’s a strange disease, people assume it’s about mobility, but it affects everything,” she added.

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To make a donation, visit the campaign’s GoFundMe page.