Charity Tractor Run, Inspired by Toddler, Set for Second Year

The annual Christmas charity tractor event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, marking its second consecutive year. Ully Dale initiated this event following the birth of her two-year-old grandson, Reece, who resides in Meon Vale, Statford-upon-Avon, with a cleft lip and an affected palate. Over 50 tractors, adorned with Christmas lights, are expected to traverse Stratford and its neighboring villages to support the Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA). Mrs Dale stated that she felt compelled to organize an initiative to generate funds and increase awareness, having observed the ongoing challenges Reece encounters. The two-year-old frequently attends Birmingham Children’s Hospital and has received assistance from CLAPA since birth, with the organization supplying his initial two bottles and teats. At six months old, Reece underwent his first surgical procedure, which lasted eight hours, and is anticipated to require several more. Mrs Dale mentioned that the charity consistently aids families throughout their “journey.” Clefts are a congenital abnormality that arises when distinct facial regions fail to fuse correctly during fetal development. This condition impacts approximately 1,200 infants born annually in the UK. Additionally, the event aims to collect funds for prostate cancer research, following the death of a family member from the illness in 2023. Mrs Dale expressed her hope that the run will generate festive cheer, alongside increasing awareness and drawing attention to the charities receiving support. She further commented, “It is a beautiful sight to see and it kicks off Christmas.” The event, which successfully gathered £4,000 during its inaugural year, is scheduled to commence in Lower Quinton at 17:00 GMT. For updates, follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. Please note, the BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.