A convoy of tractors adorned with Christmas lights will pass through Dorset villages this weekend in memory of a well-loved teen.

The WillDoes Tractor Run will see nearly 100 decorated tractors touring through villages, raising money to help the charity its mission of promoting physical and mental well-being in young people.

The charity was set up in memory of Dorset teenager William Paddy who sadly took his life on May 29, 2019, aged just 14.

His mother, Lesley Paddy, said: “Everything Will did he always wrote “Will does” and that’s where the name came from. He was very active, outgoing and was loved by a lot of people. But it became apparent to me there were young people who didn’t have the opportunities he had.

“We set up the charity to get them out there and help them connect and engage socially through sports and other activities.”

This will be the charity’s third annual tractor run and Lesley highlights its importance in bringing Dorset’s young farmer community together.

Dorset Echo:

“We wanted to engage with young farmers because a lot of them are working on their own and have their own mental health issues. It’s important to address those and support them.

“It’ll be lovely to go through the villages, see all the young people together and the places lit up. It’ll be a nice start to the festive season.”

Amongst those young people in attendance this year will be Bryony Vaughan who is also organising the event.

She said: “This charity means an awful lot to me and the community as it gives young people a place to turn to for support. Farming has recently been getting the publicity it needs for its effect on mental health and wellbeing and I feel we need to keep the focus on this industry from young to old.

“Mental health gets pushed aside due to the hours and work load we all go through, but it is staggering how many people have reached out recently for help and guidance since #willdoes has been doing this run.”

The schedule for Sunday, December 10:

Those taking part are asked to meet at 165- 179 Roke Road, Milborne St. Andrew, on Sunday from 2:30pm with last entries at 3:30pm.

There is a £10 donation per tractor which can be given on the day via cash or card payment.

16:30   Depart Milbourne

16:45  Bere Regis

17:00   Bovington

17:15  Wool

17:30   Winfrith (past Red Lion)

17:45   Broadmayne

18:00  Dorchester (Trumpet Major)

18:05 - 18:40   Dorchester (High Street x 2)

18:50   West Stafford

19:05   Crossways

19:20   Affpuddle

19:35   Tolpuddle

19:50   Arrive Milbourne