20 years ago, this December, Alex Tapp, who runs a farm machinery sales business, had an accident whilst working on a dairy farm near Cullompton.
“I was 16-years-old at the time when a large stack of straw bales toppled over, falling on me, which resulted in me breaking my femur, requiring surgery for a metal rod to be fitted, and also damaging my shoulder.” he explained.
Air ambulance
Fortunately, Devon Air Ambulance (DAA) came to the rescue and airlifted him to hospital. “I am forever grateful for the service they provided that day.”
He is still working in agriculture but has since started her own business selling used farm machinery www.ta-agri.co.uk.
Following Farm Safety Week, which took place recently, he was wondering how he could raise some funds to donate to the Air Ambulance who helped him.
“I realised that, with social distancing, an event would not be allowed and that their fundraising income would have been severely impacted this year.”
“So, instead, I decided I would donate £1,000 from the sale of my next Tractor to DAA.”
Local farmer, Martin Greenslade, from Cullompton, came to view a CASE IH CX90 and upon discussing price, Tapp stated his intention to donate to DAA.
‘He fell from a stack of bales’
“I couldn’t believe it when he said that he, too, had been airlifted by DAA. His accident was six years ago – and again, due to a farming accident, in which he fell from a stack of bales.”
“Not surprisingly, we were both delighted to know that DAA would benefit from the donation; this way, everyone’s a winner.”
Virtual competition
Handing over the keys of his new tractor to Martin, and the cheque to Brian Chapman from Devon Air Ambulance, Brian promoted another fundraising initiative for the farming community: VPlough’20.
In the absence of live events and matches, due to Covid-19, here is a virtual competition, with a range of classes and for a range of agricultural vehicles, complete with cash prizes! For further information, please go to www.vplough.co.uk
Images: Brian Chapman of Devon Air Ambulance Trust
