March businessman is 'Digging for a Cure' with charity move in aid of Cancer Research UK

A local businessman has launched an unusual bid to raise cash for charity and hopefully help find a cure for cancer.

Simon Rutterford, who runs Rutterford Construction, of Elwyn Road, March has taken delivery of a specially customised 2.6 tonnes digger which he is hiring out to local people needing such a machine for DIY projects like building an extension or resurfacing a driveway.

The digger, which was especially painted pink by Watlington JCB in Peterborough, has been bought by Simon specifically to hire out with all profits going to Cancer Research UK with his charity bid entitled ‘Digging for a Cure’.

It will not be used by Simon in his own work, but will be solely for the charity fundraising effort.

The digger, which made an appearance at the All Saints School summer fete at the weekend, is available at £50 per day plus delivery and Simon, who is well known in the groundworks trade locally, believes it is likely to be one of the cheapest to hire locally.

He said: “I want to make it clear this machine is nothing to do with my business, I wanted to do something to help Cancer Research, but didn’t want to run a marathon or anything like that. I have deliberately kept the hire price low to encourage people to choose to hire mine rather than one elsewhere.

“Cancer touches nearly everyone, my sister currently has breast cancer, my brother has had it and so have other family members, which is why I wanted to do something.

“I had it painted pink so that it stands out and people can see it is for something special. I contacted Cancer Research and they were over the moon with idea. It also means we can raise money for the charity all year round for a lot of years to come. People have said I’m only doing it for publicity, but I don’t need to advertise we are always very busy, which is why I have kept this completely separate from the business.”

For more details contact Simon on 07939 148327 or visit: www.facebook.com/diggingforacureCRUK/

For pictures and story on All Saints Summer Fete see page 23.