A husband has planned an unusual thank you for charities that helped his wife when she was recovering from cancer.

Nigel Ball, 61, from Lyme Regis, has planned a charity tractor tribute from the seaside resort to Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester to raise funds for two chosen charities after his wife of 30 years Karen, 63, recently underwent cancer treatment.

Leaving from the Lyme Regis slipway around 9.30am on Saturday, September 7, Nigel will make a journey on his 60-year old Fordson Dexta tractor, which is expected to take around four hours to complete,.

He will travel through rural areas before reaching the Fortuneswell ward at DCH, where he will present flowers to staff.

The event, called Flowers to Fortuneswell – Dahlias to DCH, will act as a floral thank you for the support and work from staff at the DCH ward.

Both Nigel, and his son Ashley, 30, are horticulturists and grow flowers, so feel as though the fundraiser is in keeping with their interests.

Nigel’s charities of choice are the Axminster and Lyme cancer support, of which he is a volunteer, as well as the Fortuneswell Cancer Trust.

He said: “It’s really important as my wife, Karen, went through double breast cancer treatment four years ago and she received vital help from both charities. She has since left recovery three and a half months ago but we thought it would be good to thank the staff.”

Nigel Ball with his wife Karen, opening a beach hut for cancer support (Image: Ashley Ball)

Nigel said that he came up with the idea two years ago, when Karen was going through a ‘rough patch’ during her treatment and decided that he wanted to raise awareness of the work what the staff do. 

The planned route will see the tractor stop off at Charmouth, Bridport, Abbotsbury, Portesham, Martinstown and Poundbury, before reaching the hospital.

Ashley said: “They really looked after her, and she’s now recovered because of their care. Dad is a volunteer for the Fortuneswell trust, as well as other charities mum benefitted from."

“We want to say thank you to all the staff and nurses that looked after mum by bringing them flowers.”

Fundraising for the event is in the early stages, with Nigel hoping to raise £1,000 each for both charities. So far more than £100 has been raised. 

To view both fundraising campaigns and to donate, visit the JustGiving page.