Sisters launch pumpkin patch fundraising in memory of their dad
15th October 2024
Sisters from Bates Farm have been raising money for Cancer Research this pumpkin season in memory of their dad, who passed away last October.
Michael Wilshaw passed away after a 12-year battle with cancer. His daughters, Fiona and Alison Wilshaw, are now fundraising for a charity that supported their dad.
Visitors of Bates Farm’s pumpkin patch have a chance to have a polaroid photo taken while sitting on a pink Massey tractor.
Money raised from the initiative will go towards Cancer Research to continue its valuable research.
Fiona and Alison said: “Dad was just 64 when he passed away, but he lived life to the full, farming right up until the end.
“He started farming as soon as he could walk and grew on to expand the farm to what it is today. He was a notoriously hard worker and never took a day off as he had to ‘keep the big wheel turning’.
“Dad was a larger-than-life character, a captivating storyteller with a charming manner. He was adored by so many for his humour and loved to keep in the know with the farming gossip.”
Cause close to sisters’ hearts
The Wilshaw family has been farming at Bates Farm in Warrington for nearly 70 years.
The farm consists of cattle, sheep, turkeys, pigs, arable crops and plenty of tractors. As well as farming, the family also hosts seasonal events throughout the year, giving the public an insight into farm life.
The Wilshaw sisters have been growing pumpkins for over 10 years. Last year they raised over £10,000 in aid of Cancer Research by selling their pink pumpkins.
Fiona and Alison are now inviting families to visit the farm’s pumpkin patch and take part in the latest fundraising.
They added: “All money will go towards Cancer Research, a cause close to our heart, to continue the efforts towards research that will hopefully stop other families going through our pain.
“Big thanks to our farming friends Bob, Alison and Alexa Cragg for their kind donation of the pink tractor. Bob is a tractor fanatic with countless tractors, he painted this tractor pink for his daughter Alexa, and she’s kindly let us borrow it for the pumpkin season.”
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