Event in aid of Tiny Life

Event in aid of Tiny Life

9 July 2014

CASTLEWELLAN will be the starting point for Ireland’s largest steam engine run which passes through five counties raising money for Carryduff-based premature and sick baby charity Tiny Life.

The unique fundraising initiative will be formally launched this evening by

Castlewellan tot Ruiri McAleenan, who has received support from the charity since his birth at the start of the year.

His mum Breige said the family is delighted to support what she described as this “wonderful initiative” raising funds for a charity close to its heart.

She said when Ruiri was born, the family was able to avail of support from the TinyLife Family Support Service.

“We were matched with a volunteer, Mary, who has played an important role in our lives ever since,” added Breige.

The road run will begin with a family fun evening in Castlewellan Forest Park on Tuesday, July 22, when there will be an opportunity to view vintage vehicles and steam traction engines. There will also be a barbecue and family fun activities.

The following morning, the engines will travel in convoy from Castlewellan along the coastline, stopping in Kilkeel where they will join the GI Jive Festival celebrations at the Bowling Green car park at the Mourne Esplanade. There will be a static display between 1.30pm and 3pm before the engines make their way to St. Christopher’s Park in Newry where the engines will once again be on display between 5pm and 8pm before they move on to their final destination at the Ring of the Bog, Naul.

Valerie Cromie, TinyLife’s regional fundraising manager, said the five counties road run is quite literally bringing history to life. She explained the road run is part of the events to commemorate the centenary of the start of WWI and the 70th anniversary of D-Day.

“Maeve, one of the steam engines taking part in the event was built in 1918 and, like many other Garrett Steam Tractors, was shipped to France to transport artillery for the Ministry of Munitions,” said Valerie.

“During the steam run, Maeve will be joined by a 1939 Bedford fire engine called Betsy, which will ensure the engines are kept filled with water in addition to reliving the World War Two era when steam trains transported American GI’s to their bases in the area and fire engines like Betsy were a common sight on our roads.”

Valerie said TinyLife is most grateful to the steam engine enthusiasts who have willingly gave of their time to be part of the 2014 five counties road run.

She added: “Spectators will have an opportunity to support TinyLife as the engine drivers will be taking donations en route. The event is truly a spectacle that you won’t want to miss.”