Dozens of tractors rolled through west Dorset as part of a fundraising convoy supporting mental health. Students from the Coastal College Kingston Maurward campus set off from the college near Dorchester, travelling through Broadmayne, Portesham and Martinstown along the route. A total of 68 tractors took part in the run, raising money for the Farm Safety Foundation, a charity that supports mental health within the agricultural community.
The convoy was led by the college’s Level 3 Agriculture students.
The tractor run was originally launched in 2019 in memory of a fellow student, aiming to highlight the mental health challenges faced by those working in agriculture. After a break, the event was brought back in 2023 with the support of former student and now lecturer Kate Barfoot, who now leads the initiative.
When it returned, students chose to support the Farm Safety Foundation’s Mind Your Head campaign. The college continues to work closely with the charity and has maintained it as the chosen beneficiary of the event.
Since being reintroduced, the tractor run has raised £1,164.15 in 2023 and £1,464.60 in 2024. Organisers are hoping to reach a £2,000 total this year.
