Tractor run to bring Fermanagh farming community together for Parkinson’s cause

The charity was carefully chosen by Marie O’Neill, who has lived with Parkinson’s for the past 17 years and knows first-hand the difference the local branch can make to those living with the condition and their families. Although she has never organised a tractor run before, Marie had been thinking about the idea for some time, hoping to create an event that would not only raise much-needed funds but bring people together in support of a cause close to her heart.

Ursula McMahon, who has been helping her mother organise the event, said the idea came from Marie's desire to give back to a branch which has been such an important part of their family's lives.

“She had been turning the idea over in her head for quite some time. She knew how vital the Parkinson’s Fermanagh Branch is for our local community and their families - and how much they rely on donations to keep going, so she thought it would be a lovely way to bring the community together.”

Having seen the support her mother has received over the years, Ursula is passionate about making sure that same support remains available to other families affected by Parkinson’s.

“It’s very personal to us. My mum has lived with Parkinson’s for 17 years, so we know how vital this branch is. They offer such wonderful support, friendship and services to people right here in our local community and they rely entirely on donations to keep going.

“It’s not just my family, it's for every family that is affected by Parkinson’s Disease. The branch does such amazing work locally, and we wanted to organise something in an effort to give something back and to raise vital funds for the Branch.”

But fundraising is not the only aim of the event, with the family also hoping to raise awareness of the support available through the branch.

“We wanted to not only raise funds but also raise awareness, to let people know what the branch does and that they are there for anyone who needs them.”

“It means everything, we could not have got through it without them. They are not just a support service but so much more. They offer help when you need it most. It’s such a comfort to know that there’s a local branch right here in Fermanagh that truly understands what you are going through. They offer so many different types of activities like singing, fitness classes, art classes and breaks away etc.”

That personal connection is at the heart of the Tractor Run, which has been organised entirely to raise funds for the Parkinson’s Fermanagh Branch.

The five-mile route will take participants on a roughly 30-minute drive through the Fermanagh countryside, with tractors encouraged to take part at their own pace. All tractors will assemble at the Dernawilt Shop from 3pm on Sunday, September 6, before setting off at 3.30pm, with the cost to take part set at £20 per tractor.

The event welcomes everyone to come along, whether they are behind the wheel of a tractor or simply there to support the fundraising. Once the tractors return, the focus will turn to the community, with a BBQ and refreshments giving everyone a chance to stay, catch up and enjoy the afternoon together.

“We didn’t just want it to be the tractor run and then everyone just goes their separate ways straight after the event. The BBQ and refreshments are for everyone to come together afterwards, and have a bit of craic, catch up and enjoy the company. It’s about bringing people together as a community, the fun and the friendship are just as important as the fundraising.”

With the event rooted firmly in the local farming community, the response so far has been a source of encouragement for the family.

Ursula comes from a farming background, having grown up on the family farm in Aghadrumsee, where her parents kept dairy cows before moving into turkey production and later laying hens. She now lives on the family farm with her husband and three teenage sons, who also help out with the family egg business.

Those farming roots have made the support from the local community all the more meaningful, with farmers offering to take part, spread the word and lend a hand in the run-up to the event.

“The local farmers have been very kind, generous and supportive, offering to come along and also to spread the word. We have had so many messages of support, offers of help, and people saying they are coming on the day. We are very grateful.”

For Ursula and her family, success on the day will not simply be measured by the number of tractors that turn up, but by the sense of community created around them and the funds raised for a cause which means so much to them.

“We would just love to see a good turnout on the day with people of all ages enjoying the day and coming together for such a good cause. Whether you’re bringing a tractor, driving one or just coming along to cheer everyone on and to support the fundraising, everyone is welcome. More than anything, we would love to raise as much as we can for the Parkinson’s Fermanagh Branch and keep their wonderful work going.”

Above all, Ursula hopes the day will bring people together to enjoy themselves while supporting a cause close to home.

“To come together as a community for a wonderful local cause, and to have a brilliant day out whilst doing it! It’s about supporting our Fermanagh Parkinson’s Branch, enjoying the beautiful countryside, catching up with friends old and new and knowing that every single person there is making a real difference to local families living with Parkinson’s. It’s a day for everyone young and old!”