In annual Christmas tradition, Farmers Weekly hit the road to hand out ride-on tractors to children’s charities.

Special thanks to Fendt, Massey Ferguson and JCB for their generous support.

See also: Sweeping changes shake up the farm kit dealer landscape

Swings & Smiles

With thanks to Fendt

© MAG/Matilda Bovington

Swings & Smiles was established by Sian Cook, who took inspiration from her daughter Amy and their struggle to find a place for children with disabilities and special needs to play in Berkshire.

Based in Thatcham, the centre is open seven days a week, and supports families and siblings of children with special needs.

It offers a host of facilities and classes, from after-school clubs to sibling support, a youth club and an independence group. Children can also participate in cooking, arts and crafts, music and sport.

Indoors, the children can play in the sensory area, soft play and activity rooms. In the fully secure garden, there’s space for families to have picnics, or use the wheelchair swing or in-ground trampoline.

Fundraising efforts are imperative to maintain these services.

More information on Swings & Smiles

Shooting Star Children’s Hospices

With thanks to JCB

© MAG/Matilda Bovington

As one of the leading children’s hospices in the UK, Shooting Star cares for babies and children with life-limiting conditions.

Across its two centres, Christopher’s and Shooting Star House, the charity is able to provide incredible support to families throughout the process of diagnosis, end-of-life care and bereavement.  

It has tried to create an environment that is a home-from-home, and Christopher’s, in Guildford, has nine children’s bedrooms along with five family flats. This allows for family members to stay on-site while their child is cared for.

The centre has a sensory room, hydrotherapy pool, cinema room and arts and crafts room, along with a den for teenagers.

It costs a staggering £8.8m/year to maintain these important services, so for more information or to make a donation, visit www.shootingstar.org.uk

You can also find Shooting Star on Twitter

Honeypot Children’s Charity

With thanks to Massey Ferguson

© MAG/Matilda Bovington

The Honeypot Children’s Charity has been helping young carers across the UK for more than 25 years, with the mission to grant respite breaks to children that carry the burden of responsibilities beyond their years.

Though some are as young as five years old, they may be tasked with supporting a family member, whether that be providing personal or emotional care, household duties, or helping to give medication.

The charity operates across two locations, one in Pen y Bryn, Caerphilly, and Honeypot House, in the New Forest.

Honeypot House gives children the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities during their stay, such as bike and go-kart rides, zip wires, sports and arts and crafts. In the evenings, they can chill out in the large snug area and enjoy books, movies and hot chocolates.

Find more information or make a donation at Honeypot Children’s Charity 

Alexander Devine

With thanks to Fendt

© MAG/Matilda Bovington

The Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service was founded in 2006 by John and Fiona Devine in memory of their son, Alexander, who sadly passed away due to a rare brain tumour.

Their own experiences highlighted the vital need for a children’s hospice in Berkshire.

The centre opened in 2017, and now provides vital support, both at home and within the hospice, to 135 children and their families.

The charity takes a holistic approach to the care that they give, which is as much about life as it is end of life.

The team of expert nurses care for the children through symptom management, but also ensure that they experience fun and adventures, through tailored respite care and specialist play.

Baking, endless boardgames, music therapy, and relaxing in the sensory room are always on the agenda, and the centre also has a specialist hydrotherapy pool.

The hospice relies almost solely on fundraising, and it costs £1.8m/year to maintain this level of care.

More information and Christmas appeal at Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service