A convoy of tractors travelled through the villages of Saddleworth over the weekend to raise funds for a disabled horse-riding group.
Members of the Saddleworth Tractor Group came together for a charity tractor run on behalf of the Saddleworth Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) which is run solely by volunteers and funded by donations.
The group based at Saddleworth Stables in Diggle offers opportunities for local children and adults with physical, learning, and mental health difficulties to experience therapeutic horse care and horse-riding sessions.
Its Facebook page reads: “Our aim is to enable as many children and adults in the Saddleworth, Oldham and Rochdale area as possible to experience the therapeutic, social and physical benefits of horse riding.”
On Sunday tractors gathered at Albion Farm Shop in Diggle before setting off on a route that saw them delight onlooking villagers in Delph, Dobcross, Diggle, Uppermill and Greenfield and pubgoers at the Hanging Gate and Cross Keys Inn.
Teams of volunteers from the Saddleworth RDA collected money at key points on the route and members of the Saddleworth Tractor Group paid an entry fee to raise funds.
This year the Saddleworth RDA is hoping to raise enough money to buy specialist sheepskin saddles for their riders.
Sunday’s tractor charity run was the third that has taken place to raise funds for the Saddleworth RDA. Money raised at last year’s event allowed the group to purchase waterproof coats and riding boots for their members.
Alison Pickering, group chair of the Diggle-based charity, said: “Roger Brereton from the Saddleworth Tractor Group called and offered to do a run, and we said absolutely yes please.
“It’s lovely that they choose to support small local charities like ours.”
Alison said the group which formed in 2018 is “always interested” in hearing from local people who want to volunteer and has previously run placements for young people completing their Duke of Edinburgh Award.
On Sunday Roger led the convoy in his vintage David Brown tractor.
To donate to the JustGiving page follow the link on the Saddleworth RDA’s Facebook page.
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