Vintage tractor raises £80k for hospital playroom

The 1963 model was fully restored by a specialist local company

A vintage tractor has helped raise more than £80,000 for a playroom at a new children's hospital.

The fully restored 1963 Fordson Super Dexta tractor sold for £40,280 at the Cheffins vintage sale in Cambridge on Saturday.

Nick Hedges, a 67-year-old farmer from Kent, said he bought the tractor for his "tractor mad" grandson who was almost two years old.

Auctioneer Cheffins matched the amount the tractor sold for and pledged the cash to the Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust to go towards Cambridge Children's Hospital.

The Fordson Super Dexta was bought by Cheffins in June 2024 from Lincolnshire and it was restored in Stretham near Ely.

It was estimated to sell for between £20,000 and £30,000.

Mr Hedges said the tractor was an investment for his grandson and was honoured to be part of the fundraising cause.

"Addenbrookes have treated a few members of our family, and we do have some connection with the hospital," he said.

"The tractor is a real one-off and it's such a great cause that we really wanted to be a part of."

He bought another vintage tractor at the sale, and was looking for a third one so all his grandchildren could have one each.

Mr Hedges plans to show them at various events in the south of England next year.

Oliver Godfrey, director and head of the Cheffins machinery division, described the tractor as "something of a star in vintage tractor circles over the past year".

"It's been wonderful to see the enthusiasm it's generated at shows across the country," Mr Godfrey continued.

"There was an electric atmosphere as bidding took off, with at least 10 bidders competing both in person and over the telephone.

"We are deeply grateful to Mr Hedges for his generous support.

"Not only has he acquired an important piece of agricultural history, but his purchase will directly benefit children across the region through the new hospital."

Once complete, the hospital aims to transform children's healthcare across Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex.

Paul White, director of communications and impact at the Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust, said "words can't express our gratitude".