Tractor run raises thousands backing Andrew’s cancer fight

Tractor run raises thousands backing Andrew’s cancer fight

5 October 2016

MONEYREA Young Farmers’ Club raised a phenomenal £20,180 for the Friends of the Cancer Centre during its annual tractor run.

The club decided to support one of Northern Ireland’s leading charities after one of its members, Andrew Gill, was diagnosed with leukaemia in the summer.

The charity has been a great support to Andrew and his family since his diagnosis and the Moneyrea club is delighted with the large amount of money it has been able to raise.

Club chairwoman, Linzi Stewart, explained the Young Farmers decided to raise money for the charity as a way of thanking them for making what has been a very difficult time that little bit easier for Andrew and his family.

“Our annual tractor run was the perfect opportunity to do this,” she continued. “The event was held in August, with the 12 mile run starting from the Hillmount Garden Centre. It was incredible to see so many people take part as well as so many come along to spectate and support the Gill family.  “The support we received in the lead up to the tractor run and on the day itself was wonderful and we can’t thank people enough for getting behind us to support Andrew. The club and Andrew’s family are thrilled the event went so well and, most importantly, raised so much money for a really great cause.”

Andrew, who was allowed to leave the City Hospital for a few hours so he could take part leading the convoy, said he was “totally overwhelmed” at the people who took part in the road run.

“It was such an incredible sight to see over 350 vehicles attending on the night,” he said. “I never thought there would be so many people attending and it gave me such a lift to see everyone there. 

“I was even more surprised when the local Massey Ferguson dealership allowed me to take part in the convoy in a brand new tractor. Along the way, people were shouting and waving when they recognised me. It was such a great night and it meant so much to me as Friends of the Cancer Centre have been there for me and my family, especially Renee Reid, who is the charity’s clinical nurse specialist for teenagers and young adults.” 

Andrew said Renee has been very helpful to him and his family when they needed advice, information and support, adding: “I still can’t believe how much was raised and on behalf of my family I want to say a huge thank you to each and every person who came along and supported us.”

Friends of the Cancer Centre’s fundraising officer, Sarah Breen, described Moneyrea YFC as “fantastic supporters” who have done exceptionally well in raising so much money for the charity.

She added: “I would like to thank the club members for all their hard work in organising such an incredible event and to everyone who took part in the tractor run, as well as those who came out to support them on the day. The money raised will make a very big difference to the lives of patients and their families right across Northern Ireland.”  

More information about Moneyrea Young Farmers is available by contacting Grace Morrow on 07587 248912 or visiting the club’s Facebook page Moneyrea YFC. The club meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at the Lyttle Memorial Hall and new members are always welcome.