Tractors and truck run for charity in Plumbridge

TRACTORS and trucks will soon trek through the heart of Plumbridge for charity and to poignantly remember the lives of three members of the Ward family.

Organised by Sinead Ward, the ‘Ward Family Tractor Run’ will take place on June 2 in memory of her father, Nishi Ward, who passed away in November 2017, her brother, Aodhán, who passed away in May 2018, and her uncle, Brian Ward, who passed away in August 2018.

All monies from this event will be donated to Air Ambulance NI, chosen by the Ward family as it was the air ambulance’s ‘Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) that came to Nishi’s aid following his accident, and in kind acknowledgment of the vital work that they continue to provide for others throughout the region.

A well-known businessman, Nishi Ward was tragically killed in a quad bike accident on Thursday, November 2, 2017. Mr Ward’s only son, Aodhán, sadly passed away just six months later, aged 15.

Damien McAnespie, fundraising manager for Air Ambulance NI, has encouraged the local community to support the poignant event.

“We are very grateful for the support of the Ward family in organising this event in memory of Nishi, Aodhán and Brian,” he said.

“It will an emotional day for the family, and I would ask the rural community of Plumbridge and surrounding areas to get behind the family and support them in any way they can.”

The charity Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, provides the HEMS for Northern Ireland.

The HEMS team attend patients who are seriously ill or injured, bringing emergency pre-hospital care direct to the casualty.

The aircraft can reach anywhere in the North in approximately 25 minutes, and, on average, the medical team are called upon twice every day.

The ‘Ward Family Tractor Run’ run will take place on Sunday, June 2, with registration taking place from 12 noon, before leaving Plumbridge Mart at 1pm.

Everyone is welcome back to Plumbridge Parochial Hall from 2.15pm for refreshments and a raffle. All modern and vintage tractors/trucks are welcome, and there is a minimum suggested donation of ￡10 per vehicle.

For those who cannot make the event and would like to support it, a donation can be made via: www.justgiving.com/page/wardtractortruckrun