Tractor run raises nearly £3K for rural mental health charity

The event, involving 50 assembled tractors of various shapes and sizes, departed from Pantycaragle Farm, Beguildy, on Sunday, July 31, and raised money for the DPJ Foundation, the agricultural mental health charity.

The foundation was set up in Pembrokeshire in July 2016 following the death of Daniel Picton-Jones. Daniel’s suicide rocked the local community and his wife Emma realised very quickly the lack of support that was available for those suffering with poor mental health in rural communities.

It was announced at Daniel’s funeral that a fund would be set up that would provide support to those, like Daniel, who were suffering from poor mental health.

The convoy set off promptly at 10am, with route leader Mike Whittal leading the tractors out of the farmyard, turning right down the Teme Valley towards Dutlas. Here the tractors turned right up the Lawn valley and climbed up through Penllan farmyard and out across the fields out across Beacon Hill.

Circumnavigating the open hill for 2.5 miles before returning to the tarred road at Beacon Lodge and down to Llancoch, passing the onlooking farmers and the Heart of Wales railway tunnel at the highest point on the line at 980 feet above sea level.

Route leader Mike Whittal leading the convoy through the water splash

Now descending down passing Llangunllo station to Pye Corner, here the tractors picked up the B4356 to Gravel Arch and on to Llanbister Road. Crossing over the Heart of Wales line and onto Coxhead Common where they descended to Banks Bridge before climbing up over Maelienydd Common to Llanbister.

Now the convoy picked up Caerfaelog Lane, passing the Palace to cross the common to City Shop. Turning right to head back homewards, up the dingle towards Upper Caeglas passing the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust Tylcua Hill Nature Reserve.

Rounding the farmhouse and through the watersplash and sheep pens to take the farm track climbing up Dildre Bank and out onto Warren Hill before weaving their way across the harvested high pastures to descend back to the tarred road at Lower House Farm.

With the end in sight the tractors headed down the valley to Felindre to park up at the village hall for a late lunch. Here a raffle was drawn and auction of cakes and ham joints to add funds to the charity pot.

Martin Watkins thanked his team of helpers, family, caterers, landowners and all the sponsors who had provided raffle prizes and provisions for the run and making it all possible. At the time of going to press a total of £2,925 had been raised for the DPJ Foundation.