A GALLANT effort by hundreds of Northern Irish tractor drivers has raised a whopping £20,180 for charity.

The amount was raised for the Friends of Cancer Care by members of Moneyrea Young Farmers Clubs during their annual tractor road run. The club decided to support the charity as member Andrew Gill was diagnosed with leukaemia in June 2016.

Linzi Stewart, club chairman said: “The club decided to raise money for the charity as a way of thanking them for making what has been a very difficult time that bit easier for Andrew and his family and our annual tractor run was the perfect opportunity to do this.

“It was incredible to see so many people take part as well as so many come along to spectate and support the Gill family. The support we received in the lead up to the tractor run and on the day itself was wonderful and we can’t thank people enough for getting behind us to support Andrew.

“The club and Andrew’s family are thrilled that the event went so well and most importantly, raised so much money for a really great cause.”

Although Andrew was in hospital for a chemo session when the run was scheduled, the doctors allowed him to leave the City Hospital for a few hours so he could attend and take part leading the convoy: “I was totally overwhelmed at the number of people who took part in the road run and it was such an incredible sight to see over 350 vehicles attending on the night.

“I never thought that there would be so many people attending and it gave me such a lift to see everyone there. I was even more surprised when the local Massey Ferguson dealership allowed me to take part in the convoy in a brand new tractor."