Steve Trostler Memorial Tractor Run

Local agricultural machinery dealership, Ben Burgess Coates, is getting ready for its second tractor run, raising money for the East Anglian Air Ambulance once again.

Following the success of the inaugural run last September where £3,100 was raised for the charity, the event will take place on Sunday 20^th September, in memory of Steve Trostler, the late branch manager of Ben Burgess Coates, who tragically died in a car accident last year.

The run is being organised by a team of Ben Burgess employees, led by Rebecca Miller and Nick Garrod, who have been working on the event since the beginning of August. Rebecca, said, “We are delighted that we are able to go ahead with the tractor run again this year. It was such a success last year and enjoyed by so many so we are all looking forward to a fun-filled day which will be very welcome following the last few months.”

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the event will operate slightly differently, and organisers have put various measures in place to ensure the safety of everyone taking part.

Tony Fincham, Coates branch manager, said, “We are limiting the number of entrants and are not accepting registrations on the day as we did last year, so participants must enter before the event to help us manage numbers and also stagger arrivals.

“We have received a number of entrants already and believe we can stage a safe and successful event, whilst raising money for a very worthwhile cause. Tractors of all ages, models and ages are welcome and our route map can be found on our website for those who wish to wave us by.”

The tractors will leave Ben Burgess Coates at 10am and follow a 32 mile route, making a mid-point stop at The Three Tuns pub in Doddington. To raise money, each entrant will be charged £10 to enter the run and there will be a tractor and trailer offering transport to those who wish to take part by way of a trailer ride at £5 per person. Spaces are limited and must be booked in advance. There will also be a raffle draw at the end of the day which several local businesses have already generously donated prizes for.

Tammy Swiderski, Community Fundraiser for the EAAA, said, “The Steve Trostler Memorial Tractor Run was a huge success last year, raising almost enough money to sponsor one of our life-saving helicopter missions, which on average costs the charity £3,500. We are delighted to see this event going ahead again this year and send everyone at the Ben Burgess Coates team a huge thank you for their continued support. East Anglian Air Ambulance is proud to have kept flying throughout the pandemic, to continue to provide emergency care to those in need. The charity needs community support now more now than ever to keep its yellow helicopters flying and saving lives.”

Further information on the event and how to enter can be found at www.benburgess.co.uk/tractor-run-2020