The King's Guide to the Sands has appealed for help after vandals damaged essential tractors used to help keep cross bay walkers safe on Morecambe Bay.
Michael Wilson, the royally appointed King's Guide to the Sands of the bay, has launched a fundraiser to repair the tractors.
Vandals interfered with the vital machinery, leaving one engine to seize after being left running overnight.
The tractors are essential to Mr Wilson's work checking and marking safe routes across the treacherous sands and tidal channels of Morecambe Bay, supporting walks that have raised over £1m for charity in a single year.
At time of writing, £975 has been raised towards a £5,000 target will help repair the damage and cover ongoing maintenance after a demanding season on the Bay.
The fundraising page 'Help Get the King’s Guide’s Tractors Back on the Sands' says:
"We are raising funds to repair Michael Wilson’s tractors after they were vandalised and help keep them working on Morecambe Bay.
"Michael Wilson is the 26th appointed King’s Guide to the Sands, carrying on an extraordinary tradition of guiding people safely across Morecambe Bay.
"For Michael, being King’s Guide isn’t simply about walking across the sands. Behind every crossing are hours of work checking the Bay, assessing the rivers and channels, marking safe routes and making sure everything is ready before people ever set foot on the sands.
"And a huge part of that work is done with the help of his tractors.
"More than just old tractors
"Anyone who knows Michael will know how much his tractors mean to him.
Michael Wilson, in yellow, pictured during a cross bay walk
"They have spent countless hours travelling across Morecambe Bay, battling salt water, sand, mud and some of the toughest conditions imaginable.
"They help Michael check and mark routes and carry the equipment needed to do his job. They are also there supporting events and crossings and helping behind the scenes to keep everything moving.
"They may be old, they may be battered and they certainly aren’t showroom tractors — but they are part of the King’s Guide story.
"Sadly, they have now been vandalised and damaged, leaving us facing repair costs that we simply hadn’t planned for.
"It is incredibly upsetting to see machinery that is used for such a worthwhile purpose deliberately damaged.
"This is where we need your help.
"We are asking the public to help us raise the money needed to repair the damage, get the tractors back into working order and contribute towards the maintenance they desperately need after another demanding season on Morecambe Bay.
"Every pound raised will go towards keeping these tractors doing the job they have done for so many years.
"If you have ever crossed Morecambe Bay, joined one of our events, watched Michael and his tractors out on the sands or simply appreciate the history and tradition of the King’s Guide, we would be incredibly grateful for your support.
"£5, £10 or even £1 makes a difference when lots of people come together.
"And if you’re unable to donate, please share this fundraiser. A share costs nothing and could help our story reach someone who can help.
"Morecambe Bay is a beautiful but unforgiving place. Michael has dedicated so much of his life to helping others experience it safely.
"His tractors have been beside him through it all.
"They’ve looked after Michael and thousands of people on the sands — now we’re asking you to help us look after them.
"Let’s get the King’s Guide and his tractors back where they belong — out on the sands of Morecambe Bay.
"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for every donation, share and message of support."
Fisherman Mr Wilson's role dates back to 1548 and he is the 26th King's Guide to the Sands of the bay.
He took over as King's Guide in 2019. Prior to him taking over, the late Cedric Robinson MBE, who died in 2021, had been Guide for 56 years.
"He was a great predecessor to follow," said Michael, speaking to Beyond Radio in 2023.
"Cedric always said, 'you've got the knowledge, just look after the people'."
Read more: INTERVIEW: King's Guide to the Sands set to help 10,000 across the Bay in 2023 - Beyond Radio
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