The organiser of the much-loved Tractor Run, which raises thousands of pounds for Katharine House Hospice every year, has been awarded a High Sheriff Award. 

Jennie Steenkamp from RC Baker received the prestigious accolade at the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire Awards Ceremony on Monday at County Hall in Oxford.  

The annual awards recognise people across Oxfordshire who have made outstanding contributions to their communities and are recognised by others as inspirational.  

Katharine House nominated Jennie for her role in creating and managing the RC Baker Tractor Run over the last eight years, which has raised nearly £150,000 for the hospice in the process. 

Jennie, who’s grandfather passed away at Katharine House in 2004, first ran the Tractor Run in 2016, when 26 tractors decorated in Christmas lights proceeded through Adderbury and the surrounding villages, raising just over £2,000. Last year the event featured 100 tractors and raised a staggering £49,202. 

Jennie said: "I could never have dreamed that the event would become so huge, so popular, so incredibly well loved and raise such enormous amounts of money. I am so incredibly proud of what we have all achieved with it. 

"There is so much potential and it’s really exciting to think how we can build on it even more!  It’s just getting bigger and bigger! It’s fantastic to raise money for the wonderful Katharine House, a cause so close to our family's heart."

Katharine House Hospice Community and Events Manager Roseann Thompson said: "The Tractor Run simply would not exist without Jennie and the incredible amount of work she pours into it. Her amazing support has raised over £140,000 for Katharine House in eight years and she has created something wonderful for the whole community to be a part of and celebrate."