Novice farmer heading for the fields in fundraiser

A GORTIN woman with no experience of farming is heading for the muddy fields in a fundraiser to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Leanne Hagan is dedicating 87 hours to work on a farm in tribute to her grandfather Colm MacRory, a former principal of St Conor’s Primary School in Omagh and keen farmer.

Mr MacRory passed away in April 2020 after a battle with dementia, and his granddaughter Leanne wanted to honour his memory by raising funds for the worthy cause.

“Granda was seen as a pillar of the community, and was very important to me and close to my heart,” Leanne said.

“Farming was his entire life. I work as a dispensary in a pharmacy and used to work as a hairdresser, so the funny thing is he would be the one laughing the hardest at me.

“Anyone who knew Colm knew he was a simple man, a practical man, a farming man. He was a man who was never happier than having the wellies on and causing his cheeky bit of mischief along the way.”

“For the next three months I am going to participate in 87 hours sponsored farm work – one hour to represent every amazing year of an amazing man.

“To many it may not seem much but as for those who do know me, I’m off to buy my first pair of wellies and learn what hard work is.”

Leanne added that her other grandfather has also been diagnosed with dementia in recent months, and hopes that the money raised will go to help people with similar conditions.

“Knowing I am doing it for two of the most important men I’ve been lucky enough to have in my life, along with seeing traits from them both within the person I am, will forever be one of my strengths,” she concluded.

• Leanne has set up a JustGiving page for people who want to donate to the fundraiser, which can be found at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/teardropstosnowdrops