West Fifers with drive sought for tractor run!
Published 7 Sep 2012 15:45
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WEST Fifers with plenty of drive are being sought for a charity event to help kids with cancer.
Lawrie Sullivan (50), owner of Taylor Sullivan Funeral Directors in Dunfermline, is helping to organise a 'Top to Bottom Tractor Run' in memory of his nephew Aaron, who sadly lost his battle with cancer last month.
Aaron, from Derbyshire, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in January 2011, and underwent a series of treatments at the specialist Christie Hospital in Manchester.
Unfortunately, he failed to respond to any of the treatments and passed away aged just 20 on 10th August.
His family has organised a tractor run, using vintage Ferguson tractors from the 1950s, from John O'Groats to Lands End to raise funds for the hospital's Young Oncology Unit (YOU).
The run kicks off on Monday 10th September and Lawrie is seeking drivers for the Fife leg of the 14-day event on Thursday 13th September.
He told the Press, "It was hoped Aaron could have driven on the trip, even part of it had he not been up to the whole trip.
"When I heard Aaron wasn't responding to treatments I feared that the tractor run might turn out to be a memorial one.
"Every year six to eight children just do not respond to any of the treatments and sadly Aaron was one of them.
"It's been a very difficult time for my brother (Fred) and it came as a massive shock to me when I heard Aaron had passed away - you always hope there's some treatment he would respond to."
Lawrie is sponsoring the afternoon part of the Fife leg, which leaves from the Albert Hotel in North Queensferry to Lauder on Thursday.
Hotel manager Sarah Buchanan will drive the first 10 miles over the Forth Road Bridge to the Edinburgh bypass, but drivers are required for the other 30 miles.
Lawrie smiled, "We could have three drivers doing 10 miles each or two doing 15 each, and you get to test the tractor out.
"The tractors are about the size of a mini, and I don't know what the suspension's like, but we'll provide a cushion!
"I'm hoping for good weather - the tractors have no covers!"
West Fifers are invited to the flag-off at 1pm and tractor owners are also invited to join in a convoy.
Those who would like to take part, help or contribute should contact Lawrie on 07979 645593. Further information is available on www.top-to-bottom-tractor-run.co.uk.
This article appeared in Dunfermline Press 07 Sep 12
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