Dorset Charity Tractor Event Supports Youth Mental Health

In Dorset, numerous farmers participated in the fourth yearly charity tractor event, aiming to support the mental well-being of young individuals. Lesley Paddy established the charity #Willdoes to honor her son, William, who died by suicide at the age of 14 in 2020. The organization provides funding for sports and various activities for young people throughout the county and its adjacent regions. The event this year featured 116 tractors, adorned with Christmas lights, which journeyed through villages and towns such as Dorchester, Bovington, Wool, Affpuddle, Tolpuddle, and Broadmayne. Ms. Paddy stated, “It is my favourite event as we have so many young people here, they can drive a tractor at the age of 16.” She added, “For me it’s quite an emotional event because my son would have been 21 next year.” Individuals aged 16 and above are permitted to operate tractors with a width under 2.45m (8ft). According to event organizers Bryony Vaughan and Kian Merry, “We estimated about 100 this year. We had 80 last year, 110 the year before and 90 something before that. It gets bigger and bigger each year.” They also mentioned that while the route has been altered over time, Dorchester consistently sees “a very good turn out.” This year, the event successfully raised £5,000.