A North Yorkshire farming family are raising money for charity in memory of their beloved dad, who lost his battle with cancer only three months after being diagnosed. 

Anne Alderson and her three children Rebecca, Kathryn and William, are raising money for charities in memory of their late dad David, who died in February. 

The family will be supporting the Great North Air Ambulance Service and Herriot Hospice Homecare, a Northallerton-based charity, by donating five per cent of proceeds from the sale of thousands of pumpkins they have grown. 

The Northern Echo: Anne and David Alderson at their 40th wedding anniversary in 2019. Picture: Anne AldersonAnne and David Alderson at their 40th wedding anniversary in 2019. Picture: Anne Alderson (Image: Anne Alderson)

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The family chose these charities for their connection to David. The 70-year-old grandad, who died at home, had loved to spot the air ambulance as it flew over the farm, with Mrs Alderson saying: "He really appreciated the work the air ambulance does."

A collection at David's funeral has already raised £850 for the Great North Air Ambulance Service - honouring David's memory through philanthropy.

“We chose Herriot Hospice Homecare because they supported David for about a month at the end of his life when he was very poorly.

"They used to come into our home, talk to him and listen to him. He enjoyed seeing them and he valued  their time and work.”

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Earlier this year, the family got together to plant 25,000 pumpkins at their farm in Atley Hill.

The Northern Echo: Thomas Corbridge, age three, with pumpkins at his family farmThomas Corbridge, age three, with pumpkins at his family farm (Image: Anne Alderson)

They planted many varieties, colours and shapes of pumpkins - all of which will be for sale, costing between 50p and £10. 

Mrs Alderson said: “David loved pumpkins and he loved this time of year. He was never happier than when people came to the farm. He loved meeting them and telling them about farming."

Pumpkins will be available to buy from Scorton Road Farm on Friday, October 14 from 10 am to 6 pm, and Saturday and Sunday, October 15 and 16, from 10 am to 3 pm. 

 

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