A father is donating his prized classic 1991 Ford 7810 Silver Jubilee model tractor to raise money for the Cambridgeshire hospital where his son received a life-saving heart transplant.

Michael Burdge's tractor will be auctioned next month, with all proceeds going towards supporting Royal Papworth Hospital Charity’s Brighter Spaces, Brighter Futures appeal.

The Ford Silver Jubilee is estimated to fetch between £25,000 and £30,000, and will be offered via a timed online sale hosted by Cheffins

The proceeds from the sale will help transform patient and family spaces at the Royal Papworth Hospital, which is one of the leading heart and lung hospitals in the UK.

Donation

The donation of the classic Ford tractor by the agricultural machinery business owner will directly help fund the transformation of two patient and family day rooms on hospital inpatient wards.

This includes rooms with calming wall coverings, comfortable seating, and improved facilities.

Burdge said: “By improving patient and family day rooms, we can help create spaces that provide comfort, dignity and support.”

Leading agricultural auctioneers and machinery specialists, Cheffins will be selling the tractor.

Head of machinery sales at Cheffins, Oliver Godfrey said: “We would expect that this will attract much interest at auction, particularly bearing in mind its provenance of having been a part of Michael’s collection."

Bidding for the tractor and the remainder of the Michael Burdge Collection online auction starts on Monday, November 2, 2026 from 10:00a.m and ends on Tuesday, November 10 at 10.00a.m.

Reason

Burdge's decision to donate the tractor to the hospital came after his son Ed was diagnosed four years ago with dilated cardiomyopathy at just 17-years-old.

A heart transplant saved Ed's life after weeks in hospital trying to stabilise his condition.

Burdge wants to give something back and help other families facing similarly difficult circumstances having experienced what that is like firsthand.

He considers the care and compassion shown by staff as well as the hospital environment as vital for patients and families facing long stays.

He said: “Having a welcoming space to step away from the bedside can make an enormous difference during some of life's most challenging moments.”

The charity

Launched in 2025, Royal Papworth Hospital Charity’s Brighter Spaces, Brighter Futures appeal is helping transform the hospital environment for patients and their families.

It creates safe spaces that feel welcoming, comfortable and supportive during some of the most difficult moments in their lives.

Managing director at Royal Papworth Charity, Krystyna Grant explained that life-saving surgery can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming.

She added: “A welcoming space where patients and their families can rest, recharge, and reconnect can make all the difference.”