Pink Ladies Tractor Run brings together record number of participants in pursuit of £1M total

A record number of women have signed up to this year’s Pink Ladies’ Tractor Run, with the spectacle now just days away.

A total of 195 women swathed in pink will take to their tractors to mark the 20th anniversary of the iconic event on July 2, with many returning for what has become a triumphant show of support for those affected by breast cancer.

Among them will be Lynne Ainge, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 and will be taking part in her tenth run this year.

She said: “I had seen the tractor run in the local press previously but now it means more. I really wanted to be a pink lady and raise awareness as well as funds.

“One of my cousins arranged for me to drive a small Massey Ferguson for my first run in 2012.

“I am a breast cancer survivor, however, I also have many friends, work colleagues and family who have been affected.

“Sadly, not all have been survivors. I have lost count of the messages at all times of the day or night from people I know well to reach out and ask how I coped because they have been given that news that they have breast cancer. I want to give hope to others that may be affected.”

Hopes are high that this year’s run will smash the long-targeted £1 million barrier, with the event raising £896,000 in aid of Cancer Research UK’s breast cancer appeal since its inception.

Organiser Annie Chapman said: “This really is a record-breaking year and, as the 20th edition, it has taken on a real buzz.

“We have 195 excited ladies entered, and many of them are new. We hope it will be a record year in terms of fundraising.

“We thank everyone for their support. Who could have known 20 years ago that a one-off bit of fun would turn into such an amazing event?”

The route starts at Thorpe Abbotts airfield before heading through the village, on to Brockdish and Upper Weybread, before arriving in Harleston at about 12.30pm, before stopping for lunch at Gawdy Hall Meadow in Redenhall, between 1pm and 3pm.

The route back to Thorpe Abbotts airfield will head through Pulham St Mary, Rushall and Langmere Green.