TEARS mingled with joy as farmers paid tribute to a much-loved teenager.
A charity tractor run was held on New Year’s Eve following the tragic death of Mia Jennings, 19, from cardiac arrest.
Crowds clapped and cheered as more than 50 tractors and agricultural vehicles rolled through the streets of Cheshire.
The event raised more than £3,000 for a memorial fund set up by her family to support the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).
It is almost a year since Mia's sudden death left her family and friends devastated.
Mia’s dad James was overwhelmed with emotion as he travelled in the lead tractor with organiser Kevin Woodward.
Her sister Erin drove a tractor in the convoy after having a few lessons on a farm.
Northwich dad Kevin, 38, said: “It was really emotional.
“Mia’s dad, James who was in the cab with me couldn’t believe how many people came out for the cause.
“He was overcome with emotion but delighted with all the support.
“It was overwhelming to see so many people turn out to see us.
“Everyone was saying how amazing it was.
“Erin had never driven a tractor before. We gave her a few lessons around the farm and then took her out onto the road.
“She did amazing and was made up.
“We want to say a massive thank you to everyone involved and everyone who came out to see us.
“It’s been amazing.”
Mia was part of the Young Farmers and was very involved in the community.
Her family said: “Mia was a kind and caring person and always wanted to give her best and help others.
“Her beautiful smile lit up every room she was in and she made a positive impression on everyone she met.”
To donate visit c-r-y.org.uk/mia-jennings
Plans are already under way to make the next tractor run much bigger.
Kevin said: “We organised this one in just a week so we’ve now got 12 months to plan the next one.
“We’re running the event again on New Year’s Eve this year and hope to double or treble the amount.
“We hope to organise an after party, a ticketed event for anyone who’d like to come.
“We’re also trying to run a competition for a member of the public to be a passenger with one of us to get the feeling of going round.”
More details will be available later in the year.
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