A charity tractor run from Mizen to Malin Head has raised an amazing €171,000 for two vital charities – Temple Street Children’s Hospital and Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.
The ‘Long Way Home Vintage Run’ saw 16 vintage tractors and 10 vintage Honda 50s travelling all the way from Mizen Head in Cork to Malin Head in Donegal on the June Bank Holiday weekend. The convoy consisted of drivers from West Cork and Meath plus a few support vehicles.
Many of the participants involved, including several of the West Cork lads travelled to Kilmainhamwood on Saturday night last to present the funds to the two charities, Temple Street Children’s Hospital and the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.
With all the money counted, the presentation of the cheques took place at McKenna’s Lounge Bar in the quiet village of Kilmainhamwood in northern County Meath. Several of the West Cork participants were present, this time they left their tractors at home and journeyed northwards where representatives of both charities were in attendance to gratefully accept their cheques.
Representatives of Temple Street Children’s Hospital were in attendance to accept their cheque from the participants of The Long Way Home Vintage Run. Photo: Gearóid Holland
Participants from County Meath and West Cork who completed the run, pictured with Colin Bell of KBRT who accepted the cheque for €85,000. Photo: Gearóid Holland
Colin Bell of KBRT gratefully accepted the cheque for €85,000 (Eighty Five thousand Euro) and in a short acceptance speech he mentioned that the money would be of great help to some families. In fact, last week nine families had been in contact with the trust to seek their assistance.
Two representatives from Temple Street accepted their cheque, also for €85,000 and a young transplant recipient was on hand to tell those assembled of the treatment and care she had experienced while at the hospital.
Congratulations to all involved and a special thanks to Gearóid Holland who kept us up to date on this incredible journey.
