A group of West Wales classic and vintage vehicle enthusiasts have taken on their biggest ever fundraising challenge with the Big Little Tractor Project tractor run.

The event saw two restored, charming little grey Ferguson tractors, nearly a century old, take on their biggest task. Specially sprayed bright yellow to grab everyone's attention and with multi-coloured grills, with each colour representing a specific type of cancer, Sion and Sian were set the epic adventure of being driven from Caernarfon Castle to Cardiff Castle in the space of only seven days. Thrown into the mix was a heatwave of biblical proportions, and this really was a memorable event, all with the intention of raising as much money as possible for Cancer Research Wales.

Sian took the coastal route, snaking along the west of Wales, whilst Sion followed a route through Mid Wales. Both tractors were driven by hardy members of the Cardi Cranks club. Each tractor took in numerous stops along the routes in order to take vital comfort breaks, but also to meet the countless schools, community groups and businesses who had raised money for this worthy cause.

On Thursday morning, Sion set off from Builth Wells and arrived to a very special welcome in Llandovery at 1pm. The yellow tractor was met on the outskirts of the town by a bright pink Fergie driven by a member of Llandovery YFC. Both then drove through the streets of the Towy Valley market town to a wonderful welcome waiting at Llandovery RFC's Church Bank HQ. There the Cardi Cranks were met by the Mayor of Llandovery, Handel Davies, and a number of members of Llandovery YFC. They presented monies amounting to over £700, which had been raised through a bingo night, a “guess the number of sweets in the jar” competition, and by the pink tractor herself.

Cardi Cranks members were then treated to much-needed refreshments in the rugby clubhouse, along with a break from the oppressive heat. Sion and the team then continued on to their overnight stop in Brecon, before on Friday continuing on to Abergavenny, Cwmbran and Pontypridd. Then on Friday afternoon, Sian and Sion will reunite after their journeys at St Fagans Museum of Welsh Life. On Saturday morning they will embark on a memorable trip through the streets of the capital city before completing the challenge by driving into the grounds of Cardiff Castle and no doubt a hero’s welcome.

Cardi Cranks said: “Each turn of the wheel will not only showcase the craftsmanship involved in the restoration but also a greater purpose of raising vital funds. This project is a perfect blend of nostalgia, community spirit and commitment to making a difference in the fight against cancer.”

At the time of writing this article, the fundraising event had exceeded £30,000. All monies raised will stay in Wales and support people to access clinical trials and new therapies.

People can still make their own donations via the Cardi Cranks JustGiving page.