All you need to know about this year’s Pink Ladies Tractor run as organisers awarded an MBE
A couple who have raised more than £1.2m for a cancer research said it was a "huge honour" to be recognised by the King in his Birthday Honours list.
Annie Chapman, 83, and her husband John, 74, have both been appointed an MBE for their services to fundraising.
The pair, who live near Pulham Market, Norfolk, set up the Pink Ladies' Tractor Road Run more than two decades ago, in aid of Cancer Research UK’s breast cancer appeal.
The iconic tractor road run returns again in style on Sunday July 6.
Organiser Annie Chapman said: “The run this year is beyond all expectations. I am still receiving late entries and are now up to 197.
“It's very humbling to have received the award for an event that should have been a one off in 2004.
“The run has involved hundreds of ladies over the years and has raised an incredible amount of money. We are very proud and honoured to be recognised in this way.
“But cancer hasn't gone away so we must continue to raise funds for this very worthwhile cause.”
This year will mark the event’s 21st run along the the 20-mile route through south Norfolk and north Suffolk on a convoy of decorated tractors swathed in pink.
Each year, thousands of people line the route, cheering on the Pink Ladies in towns, villages, laybys and gardens. Houses and businesses are bedecked in pink bunting, banners and flags and many supporters dress in head-to-toe pink.
About a quarter of the ladies taking part are new to the event with many having never driven a tractor before.
This year, Amy Hoddy from Stradbroke will be taking part for the first time. She said: “My husband and son run the Mariners Galley Cafe in Rushall and I have watched the Pink Ladies Tractor Run pass the cafe for the past 2 years and kept saying I would love to take part.
“At Christmas the cafe did a raffle to raise money for the Pink Ladies and we made almost £500.
“During this time, I expressed my wishes to the organiser, Annie, about taking part. But I don’t own a tractor and have never driven one. Annie found a tractor for me to drive and I am being loaned a 1958 Massey Ferguson 35x.
“I am absolutely blown away that I am going to be a pink lady. Everyone talks about what an incredible event it is and to take part is a real honour. I already have plans to have some driving practice before hand and am already looking for all things pink and glittery for both my tractor and self.
“Fundraising is already underway with friends and family already sponsoring me.”
The convoy’s route starts at Thorpe Abbotts airfield before heading through Thorpe Abbotts, Brockdish and Upper Weybread, arriving in Harleston at about 12.30pm, before stopping for lunch between 1pm and 3pm at Gawdy Hall Meadow, Redenhall to which everyone is invited to bring a picnic lunch.
The route back to Thorpe Abbotts airfield heads through Pulham St. Mary, Rushall, Langmere Green and back to the airfield.
Last year, 191 women took to 178 tractors for the run raising £127,150 towards the ever-expanding grand total.
Donations for this year’s event can be made via www.fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/unite/pink- ladies-tractor-road-run-2025
For more information about the event please visit www.ladiestractorroadrun.co.uk
Annie said: “As with any event of this size it cannot be achieved without the support of many people. I would like to express my thanks to all tractor owners, landowners, the many marshals, collecting ladies and anyone else who helps to make this event happen, it’s a large team effort!”