Credit: The Christie Charity
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This festive season will not only see Santa’s sleigh pulling up at Greater Manchester homes, but also some other vehicles in the form of a giant convoy of more than 100 tractors, too. Between Christmas Day and the New Year, the annual ‘tractor run’ event will once again drive through the rural streets of Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and Derbyshire this December, raising thousands of pounds for The Christie Charity.
As well as drawing up a crowd and raising money for a great cause, the fundraising event is also a tribute to three much-loved members of the farming community, Harvey Mitchell, Lisa Messenger and Stuart Wainwright. For what has now become an annual fixture in the local calendar, since the inaugural event in 2020, the convoy of more than 100 tractors attracts thousands of onlookers across Poynton, Disley, New Mills, Marple, and beyond.
Credit: The Christie Charity A tribute to three much-loved members of the farming community: how the annual ‘tractor run’ began
The annual ‘tractor run’ event is organised by agricultural-based contractor Ferguson Roylance from Whitegate, Cheshire. When his good friend and farming colleague Harvey Mitchell died from cancer in December 2020, Ferguson wanted to do something in memory of him, and to say thanks to everyone at The Christie hospital for caring for Harvey.
Harvey’s funeral was restricted, due to the pandemic, so Ferguson and his partner Zara came up with the idea of organising a ‘tractor run’ where people could participate via social distancing, and to let Harvey’s family and friends have the chance to say goodbye to 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 Roylance said. “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.”
The following year, another friend of the farming community Lisa Messenger died, so the fundraising tractor convoy was repeated to honour her as well. The convoy is also in memory of Stuart Wainwright, who died in a farming accident in 2023.
Over the last five years, the tractor run has raised a massive £56,245, and this year’s event is aiming to raise £10,000 for The Christie Charity.
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When and where will the annual ‘tractor run’ pass through Greater Manchester?
The annual tractor run will start at Hill Top Farm, Woodford, Bramhall, Stockport, Cheshire, SK7 1PS on Sunday 28th December 2025, and will incorporate several towns, including Marple, New Mills, Hayfield, and Disley. The event finishes at around 5.30pm at Middlewood Road, where people will gather for refreshments.
Route and estimated times:
- Poynton (13:30)
- Fiveways, A555, A6, Windlehurst Road
- Marple (14:30)
- Strines Road, New Mills (15:10)
- Birch Vale, Hayfield (15:45)
- Birch Vale, New Mills, Disley (17:00)
- High Lane
- Finish: Middlewood Road (17:30)
Credit: Google Maps How to get involved – participating or donations
Tractor drivers who wish to participate pay a donation of £20 to join in the convoy and can arrive from 11am, but no later than 12.30pm on Sunday 28th December. Simply enter your name and registration number on the JustGiving page when paying, so organisers know who has paid; cash is also allowed on the day.
Throughout the tractor convoy there will be opportunities to donate to The Christie Charity. Anyone is welcome to come along to watch the tractor run through the villages and towns in Greater Manchester, Derbyshire and Cheshire and/or donate here, with proceeds going to The Christie Charity.