Engines roared and generosity flowed as dozens of tractors rolled out in tribute to a 12-year-old boy marking a major milestone in his transplant journey.
Chittle Young Farmers Club organised a tractor run on Sunday, February 22, bringing together members of the rural community to celebrate James’ one-year kidney transplant anniversary while raising funds for two charities close to his family’s heart.
A total of 45 tractors formed a convoy through local lanes in support of Kidney Research UK and Bristol Children’s Hospital. The event raised £1,100, which will be shared between the two organisations.
The run was held to mark James’ successful transplant and to give back to the charities involved in kidney research and specialist children’s care.
Emily Jones, secretary of Chittle Young Farmers, said: “We’ve got 47 tractors currently on our tractor run. We’re raising funds for my brother, who is a member of Chittle Young Farmers. He’s had a kidney transplant, and this is his one-year anniversary of that, so we’re doing it in aid of Kidney Research and Bristol Children’s Hospital.
“He was born with kidney problems. Last year, he had a live donor from my auntie and received a kidney transplant in Bristol, and that was amazing.
“It’s amazing to give back to the cause. Young Farmers is all about giving back to charities and fundraising; it’s a great group of people to fundraise with. The general public loves seeing it as well. It’s amazing.
“My message to people is to give as much as you can and enjoy it.”
James, who is twelve, was born with kidney problems and has received treatment since birth.
His mother, Sharon Jones, said: “James was born in 2013 and his kidneys weren’t filtering and weren’t developed enough, so he went to Bristol Children’s Hospital for two weeks as soon as he was born, and then we’ve always known he would need a kidney transplant, and in 2025 it happened.
“We are very lucky it was a living kidney transplant donated by his auntie which is his dad’s brother’s wife. She was a match, and we went to Bristol. She was operated on at the adult ward while we were at the children’s hospital. The kidney came across in a taxi, believe it or not. James underwent a six-hour operation and stayed in hospital for two weeks and then came home. Ever since he’s come home he’s done very well.
“Obviously being at Bristol for two weeks, they did so much for us and looked after us so well. It’s nice to be able to give something back to them, and obviously Kidney Research UK is doing kidney research for the future, one day they may be making kidneys and people won’t be waiting on a waiting list for ever and ever as there are a lot of people still waiting out there for kidneys, not everyone is as lucky as we are and get a living kidney.”
Kidney Research UK funds research into kidney disease, focusing on improving early diagnosis, developing treatments and working towards a cure.
Bristol Children’s Hospital provides specialist care for babies, children and young people from across the South West, including renal care and transplant support.
Chittle Young Farmers said raising £1,100 was a fitting way to mark James’ first year since his transplant and thanked everyone who took part and donated.
