NFU West Sussex member Rupert Hoare, together with his wife Sarah and a team of friends and volunteers, have been organising the Chichester Christmas Charity Tractor Run for the past three years to raise money for the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance.
December's event raised more than £35,500, surpassing the previous year’s total by more than £12,000.
Mr and Mrs Hoare, who run a mixed family farm near Chichester, said they were inspired to support the air ambulance as they felt it was a charity which did not discriminate. No one knows when they may be unfortunate enough to need the help of the KSS Air Ambulance service, but it is invaluable if you do.
Mr Hoare said: “The KSS Air Ambulance is an amazing charity, and I am delighted that that we have been able to raise such a fantastic amount of money for them.
“My wife was taken to hospital in an air ambulance after a horse riding accident many years ago, and we have first hand knowledge of where they have provided a crucial service to farmers and people living and working in rural areas, delivering vital medical care and speedy transfers to hospital.
“Their work saves lives, but it costs £56,000 a day to keep KSS operational, and they rely on ongoing public support.”
More than 100 tractors took part in this year’s tractor run and the route went through Chichester and surrounding villages.
Mr Hoare said he would like to thank the local businesses who sponsored the event, as well as everyone who took part, supported the event and made donations.