A father whose son received a life-saving heart transplant at Royal Papworth Hospital, the UK’s leading heart and lung hospital, is donating the proceeds from the sale of his cherished classic tractor to help transform patient and family spaces at the Cambridge-based hospital.
Michael Burdge who founded an agricultural machinery business near Bristol, North Somerset has donated his classic 1991 Ford 7810 Silver Jubilee model tractor to be sold through Cheffins, the leading agricultural auctioneers and machinery specialists, with all proceeds supporting Royal Papworth Hospital Charity’s Brighter Spaces, Brighter Futures appeal.
Launched in 2025, Royal Papworth Hospital Charity’s Brighter Spaces, Brighter Futures appeal is helping transform the hospital environment for patients and their families, creating spaces that feel welcoming, comfortable and supportive during some of the most difficult moments in their lives.
Michael’s decision to donate the tractor is deeply personal. Four years ago, his son Ed was just 17 when he was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy. After weeks in hospital trying to stabilise his condition, a heart transplant became his only chance of survival.
Ed spent three months at Royal Papworth Hospital during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, before receiving a new heart thanks to the selfless gift of an organ donor.
Today, Ed is thriving and has gone on to set up his own business.
Having experienced first-hand the importance of the hospital environment during Ed’s life-saving treatment, Michael wanted to give something back and help other families facing similarly difficult circumstances.
Michael says:
"When my son Ed became seriously ill, Royal Papworth became my family’s whole world. During Ed's time at the hospital, we experienced first-hand the incredible care and compassion shown by staff, but we also saw how important the hospital environment is for patients and families facing long stays.
“Having a welcoming space to step away from the bedside, gather your thoughts, spend time together, or simply catch your breath can make an enormous difference during some of life's most challenging moments.
“That's why we're proud to support the Brighter Spaces, Brighter Futures appeal. By improving patient and family day rooms, we can help create spaces that provide comfort, dignity and support for everyone who depends on Royal Papworth."
Michael’s donation will directly help fund the transformation of two patient and family day rooms on hospital inpatient wards. The rooms will feature calming wall coverings, comfortable seating and improved facilities, creating welcoming spaces where patients and their loved ones can step away from the bedside, rest, recharge and reconnect.
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, with bidding available from 2nd November until the 10th November.
Oliver Godfrey, Head of Machinery Sales at Cheffins comments:
“Michael Burdge is a long-standing client of Cheffins and his collection is bound to generate interest among vintage tractor collecting circles. The Silver Jubilee is a particularly collectable tractor, being a rare, limited-edition. 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. We are delighted to be able to support the Burdge family in their fundraising efforts for Royal Papworth Charity and are sure that this is a cause which will be relevant to many of our clients here at Cheffins. Royal Papworth Hospital does so much important work nationwide and it is important that we support their charity’s Brighter Spaces Brighter Futures project which will hopefully go a long way to improving the experiences of both patients, their families and of course the staff that work there.”
Krystyna Grant, Managing Director at Royal Papworth Charity comments:
“Our charity is incredibly grateful to Michael Burdge and his family for choosing to generously donate all the proceedings of the sale of one of his special classic tractors to our Brighter Spaces, Brighter Futures appeal.
“Having a loved one undergo life-saving surgery can be an incredibly stressful and overwhelming experience. A welcoming space where patients and their families can rest, recharge and reconnect can make all the difference.
“A huge thank you also to Cheffins for choosing to waive both the fees and commission of the sale of the tractor, meaning all funds raised will directly impact patients and their loved ones at Royal Papworth Charity.”
Bidding starts for the The Michael Burdge Collection online auction on Monday 2nd November 2026 from 10am and ends on Tuesday 10th November 10.00am.
Viewing day is Tuesday 3rd November 2026 from 10:00am – 4.00pm in Somerset. Potential buyers are able to bid online via the Cheffins website – www.cheffins.co.uk
Contact Cheffins Machinery Auctioneers for further information on: 01223 213343, [email protected] or visit: The Michael Burdge Collection