Caithness people urged to support Pete's Little Grey Fergie Challenge
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Tractor enthusiast Pete Burdass is preparing to drive out of John O'Groats this weekend on what he hopes will be a record-setting journey in a 74-year-old Fergie.
He will be raising funds for people affected by motor neurone disease (MND) through his Little Grey Fergie Challenge on a route covering more than 1200 miles to Land's End.
As far as Pete is aware, the end-to-end trip has never been completed before by this type of tractor and he expects it to take 12 days.
He will be joined in his restored 1949 Ferguson TED20 by his teddy bear mascot, which has been characterised from a photograph of Pete’s late grandad.
Originally from Yorkshire, Pete has lived in Perthshire for a number of years.
He and his team will gather in Caithness on Saturday before setting off on Sunday.
On his way through England, Pete will go to Coventry to visit the old factory site where the Fergie tractor was built. He plans to arrive at Land's End on June 15.
Pete said: “I am doing this to raise much-needed money and awareness for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, because our mum died from the same disease on her 60th birthday and I would like to give something back by doing something extra-special that has never been done before.
“It is going to be a very emotional journey, but it will be worth the endless sleepless nights when we arrive at Land's End.”
Donations to the Little Grey Fergie Challenge can be made online through a JustGiving fundraising page.
The challenge has already exceeded its £5000 target, with £6749 raised so far.
Wick man David Fraser, who is supporting Pete, said: "Pete and his team have taken on a very difficult challenge and I am only too happy to assist for a great cause.
"MND affects a lot more people than we realise. Having lost my wife in 2020 and a good friend just recently to this very debilitating disease, I know the people of Caithness will rally round and give the Little Grey Fergie Challenge the support it deserves.
"Several local businesses have already provided donations and meals for the team and a big thank-you goes to each of them."
In a message on the fundraising page, Pete says: "After lots of research and speaking with different organisations there is no record of anyone doing this mammoth task using a Ferguson TED20.
"The journey will start in John O'Groats at midday on June 4. We are looking forward to seeing everyone along the way, be it a wave or even join in with your own vintage tractor for a short distance."
