Pink Ladies on TRACTORS!

Twenty years ago, Annie Chapman started something special

- SERENA SHORES

Every July an amazing spectacle weaves its way through the south Norfolk countryside and into north Suffolk, through the Waveney Valley. A convoy of up to 200 tractors all decked out in magenta and coral rosettes, ribbons and banners, their lady drivers sporting cotton candy hats and fuchsia leggings. The tractors are of every age, size and make, and their drivers range from girls in the late teens to octogenarians, their faces wet from tears of elation or the odd downpour. This is the Pink Ladies' Tractor Road Run and the mission is to raise money for breast cancer research. It is all thanks to the vision and dedication of a lady who, in March 2024, received a 'Flame of Hope' Honorary Fellowship from Cancer Research UK for 20 years of fundraising.

'It started back in 2003, as I sat with my husband, John,' says founder Annie Chapman BEM, 82. 'I'd just retired from my receptionist job and wanted to do something for charity, but I didn't fancy climbing Everest or running the London Marathon. We both have a passion for vintage and classic tractors, and in a moment of pure inspiration, he suggested a tractor road run just for ladies. Back then it was supposed to be a one-off event - it's unbelievable to see what it has turned into now!'