100-strong tractor run fundraising for charities that saved Shrewsbury woman's life
Over 100 tractors will travel through the Shropshire Hills for the Midlands Air Ambulance charity and Horatio's Garden
The farming community in Shropshire are coming together for a mammoth tractor run to raise money for two charities that saved the life of a woman from Shrewsbury.
Annabelle Farmer was days from her wedding in May when a serious farming accident left her paralysed.
She said her life changed that day, but without the Midlands Air Ambulance and a charity called Horatio's Garden, she doesn't think she would be here today.
"I wouldn't be here without them," she said.
"And I can't honestly believe it's charity run, so as much money as we can raise for them, I'll just forever be grateful."
The air ambulance were "incredible", in her words, and provided critical care on scene before transporting Annabelle to the Royal Stoke Hospital in just 20 minutes from Shrewsbury for specialist trauma care.
However, after weeks in hospital and a lengthy rehab journey in front of her, the respite that Horatio's Garden provided was equally as important.
The charity is dedicated to creating gardens and enjoyable outdoor spaces at rehabilitation units across the UK, much like the one Annabelle used at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital.
"If we can help another person going through what I've been through give them the peace and the space to have Horatio's Garden then I'd be over the moon, because it really did change my mental attitude when I got there," she said.
She added: "My life changed the moment that accident happened, and you go through all sorts of mental challenges throughout that, but getting back into the outside and a bit of peace rather than just a clinical, hospital environment really, really helps."
"Our way of raising as much money as possible for these two incredible charities"
Today (September 13), over 100 tractors will be participating in the tractor run, throwing support behind Annabelle and her family.
It's the work of her company, Edwards and Farmer's who will also be hosting food, drinks and a raffle afterwards.
They will start at the Red Lion pub in Longden Common and finish at Edwards and Farmer's yard in Bayston Hill.
So far, over £6,000 has been raised.
Annabelle said it's incredible to see how the community has rallied behind her and support her and her family during what has been an incredibly difficult few months.
Now, a new wedding date is in the diary, and the end of rehab is in sight.
"My heart feels like it's going to burst," she said.
"What our industry, our community, our friends and our family have done for me and my family over the last four months is insane, and I will forever be grateful."