A fundraising tractor run will take place on Stephen’s Day in aid of Laois Hospice and in memory of a vintage enthusiast.
The Tom Kinsella Memorial Christmas Convoy Road Run will take place on December 26 with all proceeds going to Laois Hospice.
Knock Vintage Men’s Shed and Ballyroan Vintage Club have joined forces in order to make the event happen this year.
Tom is originally from Ballyroan but lived in Spink. He sadly passed away in 2015 and Tom availed of the services of Laois Hospice.
As a result, Tom’s friends and family have been inspired to fundraise for the charity whenever they can.
The tractor run will begin at the GAA pitch in Ballyroan, head from Spink to Timahoe and then back to Ballyroan.
A team of Laois people are driving this project including Niall Haeden, Tom O’Connor, Anne O’Rourke, Dan Kinsella and Colin Kinsella.
Niall Haeden, secretary of Knock Vintage Men’s Shed, explained how Covid-19 has impacted upon Laois Hospice and why the groups are supporting it.
Niall said: “Covid has had massive effect on the Laois Hospice foundation and their ability to run fundraisers.
“Laois Vintage couldn’t do their fundraiser this year and that typically brings in €40,000 to Laois Hospice so that is a big loss.
“The Laois Hospice foundation has helped to provide a palliative care service for Cancer patients, whose illness no longer responds to curative treatment.
“The hospice also provides support for the families of such patients.
“This total care involves doctors, nurses, a team of specialists and the clergy who are all concerned with quality of life.
“Tom passed away in 2015 following a long battle with cancer, the support and help that Tom and his family received from the Laois Hospice home care team at such a difficult time was something that they will be forever grateful for.
“It is extremely important that families going through similar circumstances are also able to avail of this help and support.
“So we would be very appreciative if anyone could buy a ticket and support us.”
A a raffle will take place on the day with a top prize of €1000.
This is followed by prizes of €500, €250 and a range of hampers. Tickets are €5 each with some great deals on multiple tickets purchased.
Tickets can now be bought online through the idonate platform and can be accessed by clicking here.
