6 COUNTIES TRACTOR RUNplaceholder image
6 COUNTIES TRACTOR RUN

Six Counties Tractor Run - Together farmers around Northern Ireland drove hope for Carcer NI

The six counties tractor run, started in Newtownards by event organiser Thomas Beadon, was held in aid of Cancer Focus Northern Ireland.

It ran from August 19 to August 22 and travelled through all six counties to raise both awareness and vital funds for the charities cancer support services.

The convoy included pre-1990 vintage tractors setting off from Jubilee Road, Newtownards to start a four-day journey throughout Northern Ireland.

After an overnight stop in Armagh, the tractors continued to Enniskillen, for a second overnight stay in Irvinestown.

After that the convoy travelled north to Limavady, before completing the final leg back to Newtownards on August 22.

Thomas Breadon from Donaghadee said he was inspired to create a ‘bigger than normal’ tractor run to raise money for Cancer Focus NI in support of a close friend currently battling cancer.

He said: "Cancer is something that has touched nearly every family in one way or another. We all know somebody who has faced it, and that was a big part of the reason behind organising the run.

"From the very beginning, the main reason for doing it was to raise as much money and awareness as possible for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland.

"Together We Drive Hope" became our motto, and by the end of the four days I think it summed the whole event up perfectly.

“When someone close to you is diagnosed with cancer, it really brings home how important Cancer Focus NI’s vital support services are.

"I wanted to find a way to give back, and this tractor run felt like a meaningful way to bring people together for a great cause.”

Cancer Focus Northern Ireland provides a wide range of therapeutic cancer support services, including counselling, family support, art therapy, group support programmes and a patient driving service to help people attend appointments when they need it most.

Thomas said: “There were long hours behind the wheel, plenty of noise and the odd mechanical thing to keep an eye on, but the tractors and drivers did us proud.

"One achievement that made the run even more special was that Ian Pearson, at nearly 80 years old, completed the entire four-day journey through all six counties.

"It was a fantastic achievement and showed the determination and spirit behind the whole event. One of the things that will stay with me most was the support we received along the route.

"People came out to see us passing through towns and villages, waved us on, made donations and followed our progress online.

"When you are sitting on an old tractor after hours on the road, seeing people standing waiting for you gives you a real lift.

"The welcome home on the Saturday evening was particularly emotional.

"After four days on the road, seeing people waiting to welcome the tractors and drivers home made all the organising, planning and hard work worthwhile”.

The event was sponsored by U Hire, A Cairnduff & Sons Limited, Hugh Brown & Sons, H Miskimmin Ltd, Stephen Beers Digger Work, David Magill Contracts, Greenfields Fertilizer, North Down Grain, Gary Thompson, Martin Hanna Partners, Court Concrete, Darren Knowles Plant Hire, J&T Townley Donaghadee, George Crawford and Stephen Crawford.

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