Dromara to host vintage tractor run in aid of hospice

Dromara to host vintage tractor run in aid of hospice

30 July 2014

DROMARA GAC is once again holding a tractor run and barbecue at the club’s Castlewellan Road grounds on Saturday, August 23. 

Following on from last year’s successful first outing, the tractor run will once again be in association with the Northern Ireland Hospice.

New and old tractors, and any vintage cars and vehicles, are to gather from 4pm with the run itself heading off at 5pm. 

This year there will be some added attractions with tractor and trailer reversing and keg pushing.

Everyone is welcome, with refreshments available throughout the day.

Declan McCann, Dromara GAC Chairman, said he hoped it would be as successful as last year’s event.

“We would love to see local people come along and have a great day out while supporting the work that Northern Ireland Hospice do locally,” he said.

Deirdre Melly, Northern Ireland Hospice Community Fundraiser, said they were delighted to be the event’s chosen charity.

“Our community nursing team based in Ballynahinch provides emotional, practical, social and spiritual support to local people with serious illnesses and their families, at a time when they need it most,” she said. “But we cannot do this without the support of the local community. 

“It costs £6m each year to run our services in the community and in our Hospice temporarily at Whiteabbey Hospital,” she said. “We also still need to raise £2.6m in order to complete the rebuild of our Somerton Hospice in North Belfast. 

“This new building, and the research and education that will be conducted here will help us to shape the future of hospice care for the changing needs of our population ensuring that patients with non-malignant diseases such as respiratory, dementia and neurological conditions receive the specialist care they deserve at the end of their life.”

For more information about the event or to hear more about Northern Ireland Hospice, contact Deirdre Melly on 07711 377328 or email deirdre.melly@nihospice.org.