LONG-STANDING Derby-based Bobcat dealer Butler Reynolds is raffling off a mini-excavator for a good cause.

All proceeds from the raffle to win the E10z 1-tonne machine will go to the When You Wish Upon A Star charity, which has helped transform the lives of children and families since 1990.

When You Wish Upon a Star was founded in Nottingham by Barbara White, who was so inspired by a seriously ill four-year-old child with a dream to meet Mickey Mouse, that she wanted to bring smiles to the faces of many more brave and courageous children. The charity has granted over 17,500 wishes across the UK to date.

Nigel Long, director at Butler Reynolds, said: “The Wishes charity was one that Heather and I have been aware of for some time now - we wanted to do something for children and help as many as we could with our donation. Working with Wishes, we thought the funds from the Grand Raffle could go a long way.

READ MORE: Ponsse unveils next-generation Scorpion harvester range

“The choice of the Bobcat E10z was an easy one to make as it is one of our most successful machines and the opportunity of winning one in the Grand Raffle will hopefully sell more tickets and raise more funds for the charity.”

Alexa Wigfield, regional fundraiser at When You Wish Upon a Star, said: "It was lovely to receive the telephone call from Nigel Long and Heather Tormey, the directors at Butler Reynolds, with this amazing news. They recognise that 2020 was such a difficult year for lots of families and they felt it was time to support a charity that brings a little happiness to so many children.

"To receive a donation of this size will help us to continue granting magical wishes. All children have Wishes but for these children and their families that wish is so precious. Each wish brings with it the opportunity to look forward to something very special, to forget about their often-painful treatments and to simply be a child for the day, creating special treasured memories."

There is no limit on the number of tickets that can be bought. The latest date for entry is Monday 24th May 2021 and the Grand Raffle will be drawn on Friday 28th May 2021.

As well as the E10z mini-excavator, the first prize includes three buckets and a full three-year warranty for the machine. There are five Bobcat jackets up for grabs as second place prizes and 10 Bobcat scale models can be won as third place prizes.

Raffle tickets costing £25 can be purchased by contacting Butler Reynolds on 01509 854144 or 01902 883088, or by purchasing directly on the Butler Reynolds website.

Forestry Journal remains dedicated to bringing you all the latest news and views from across our industry, plus up-to-date information on the impacts of COVID-19.

Please support us by subscribing to our print edition, delivered direct to your door, from as little at £75 for 1 year – or consider a digital subscription from just £1 for 3 months.

To arrange, follow this link: https://www.forestryjournal.co.uk/subscribe/

Thanks – and stay safe.