A team of determined rugby mums have so far raised over £13,000 online for CancerCare after taking on an incredible four-mile tractor pull in memory of 15-year-old Will Pedley. The challenge, which took place on Sunday 20 September, saw the group pull a 1.3-tonne vintage tractor from Barbon to Kirkby Lonsdale Rugby Union Club – the club where Will had played as a junior.

Will, who was from Barbon, sadly died in August 2025. Since his death, his family, friends and the wider community have come together to raise funds in his memory and support causes that were close to his heart.

Organised by Becky Gubbins, the tractor pull took around three hours to complete, with Will’s mum Jess among those taking part. Hundreds of people lined the route to show their support, creating an emotional and memorable day for everyone involved.

Becky said the challenge had been tough and emotional at times, but the group were “blown away” by the incredible support from the local community.

CancerCare was chosen as a beneficiary following the closure of Papyrus, a charity which had previously been supported by Will’s family. CancerCare has also provided bereavement support to the Pedley family following Will’s death.

CancerCare provides professional counselling, complementary therapies and other forms of emotional and practical support to adults and children. The charity relies on the generosity of its supporters to continue providing its services free of charge to local people.

Due to funding challenges and an increased demand to services over the last year, CancerCare had to make the difficult decision in February 2026 to reduce their bereavement offer for adults, limiting it to those bereaved by cancer or life-shortening illness. For children and young people, our services are available to those grieving the loss of someone close, regardless of the cause.

CancerCare would like to say a huge thank you to the family and everyone involved in the tractor pull and the wider fundraising in Will’s memory.