Engines are set to roar this weekend as the Carlow to Cork Tractor Club gets ready to host its annual “Carlow to Cork Tractor Run” with the ultimate goal of raising much-needed funds for Crumlin Hospital.

Set to take place this Saturday (December 19), 20 participants will drive the 400km long route to Cork and back in 20 hours to raise funds in aid of CMRF Crumlin (the principal fundraising body for CHI at Crumlin).

In the past 16 years, the Carlow to Cork tractor Club has raised in excess of €419,135 to support Crumlin and is determined that 2020 will be no different in its annual support of the hospital.

The target is to raise €30,000, which will fund vital life-saving equipment and provide essential patient and parental supports and make ground-breaking, paediatric research possible.

This is the 16th year the Carlow to Cork Tractor Club has committed to raising funds for sick children. To date, the group has raised over €419,135 for CMRF Crumlin hospital.

Image source: Carlow to Cork Tractor Club

A spokesperson for the club said: “We started the club in memory of a local child. Crumlin Hospital is very close to our hearts and is important to so many people in Ireland.

“There are a lot of sick kids out there and we’re doing our bit to help. The Carlow to Cork Tractor Club has about 70 members and every year on the June Bank Holiday weekend we begin our journey to raise funds for CMRF Crumlin.

Over the course of two days we hit the road in our vintage tractors, which are 60-70 years old. It’s amazing how people are willing to throw some money our way during the event. It really shows how helping sick children is a cause close to everyone’s heart.

“If you take a tour of Crumlin Hospital you will realise how easy it is to do what we do. It’s one of those special places and you want to help.

Image source: Carlow to Cork Tractor Club

“We have a great relationship with the hospital, CMRF, and Gerry, the hospital liaison officer, gave us a great tour of the hospital and provides support for our fundraising.

“I think with Irish people there’s a tendency to want to help. With commitment and a few good people behind you, you can make a big difference to the lives of sick children. If you have these, you won’t have a problem fundraising!

As a rule from the first year that we did the run to Cork we donate all funds raised to the hospital, our club members pay all their own expenses on all trips, no exceptions. We pride ourselves on this – at the end of every year our bank balance is zero.

“In 2016, we also did a tractor run for CMRF Crumlin and travelled through every county in Ireland in two days.

“In 2019, we travelled from Carlow in Germany to Cork, a total of over 1,700km. We also raffled a MF-135 tractor and donated €111,135 to CMRF in November,” the club concluded.

For those interested, donations can be made to the club’s website at: tractorrun.ie

Image source: Carlow to Cork Tractor Club