Norfolk hospital hosts tractor procession for stroke patient

A procession of more than 40 tractors visited a hospital to offer a "get well soon" message for a stroke patient.

The convoy drove around James Paget Hospital in Gorleston, Norfolk, on Wednesday in honour of tyre-fitter Dave Chapman, known as Diddy.

Farmers wanted to support the man who helped them at all hours during harvest time, a hospital spokesman said.

"It was a spectacular sight," he said, adding it was grateful to the convoy's £400 donation to the stroke ward.

Farmer Oliver Roberts, of Heckingham, near Loddon, took part and said he had known Diddy since early childhood.

"If you're in a hospital, you don't feel well, and you see all these tractors going around, it must make people feel a bit better, hopefully," he added.

"I hope we've done some good."

The hospital said the idea of a tractor run had quickly "snowballed" after digger driver Trevor Knights handed round a card among Diddy's customers, who said they wanted to do more.

Mr Knights described Diddy, who is from the Beccles area of Suffolk, as "one in a million", and the convoy was a mark of everyone's appreciation.

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