Gartree Tractor Run raises £11,500 for charity

Monday November 6th 2023

The Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice was one of the charities to benefit from the Gartree Tractor Run. Priest-in-Charge, the Rev John Farr, is second from left in the picture.

The second annual tractor run at Gartree Parish Church raised £11,500, with the funds being distributed to a number of charities on Saturday November 4.

The event took place on September 30, with the route including the land at RLC Langford, Randox Health and the roads around Lennymore Bay at Lough Neagh.

Priest-in-Charge, the Rev John Farr, said: “The weather was unsettled but it didn’t deter the participants who turned up in great numbers and zeal with 130 classic and modern tractors, three lorries and one vintage car, along with several hundred members of the local community.”

Along with the tractor run, which had been sponsored by Randox Health, Martin Farm Machinery and Ross Farm Supplies, there was an auction, car boot sale, raffle and refreshments served in the Parish Hall.

The £11,500 raised was a £1,000 increase on last year’s total. “This was absolutely excellent considering the inclement weather,” said John.

Charities who received a share of the funds raised included NI Children’s Hospice, UNIQUE, The Air Ambulance, RLC Langford charity account and Gartree Building fund.

John said: “I would like to pay tribute to all the hard work by our parishioners their families, our sponsors, those who donated to the auction and raffle and everyone who took part in order to make this such a roaring success.

“I would just finish by saying, God bless to all and ‘Keep her Lit!’”