Roadside Garages in Coleraine has raised close to £20,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support and Young Lives Versus Cancer following their Tractor Run and Family Fun Day.
The event, held in June, was organised to support marketing colleague Hilary Gault and her family after their nine-year-old daughter, Isla, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour earlier this year.
The community rallied behind Isla, with Roadside teaming up with Damhead Primary School, where Isla is a pupil, and Dominican College in Portstewart, where her father teaches, to create the special event.
The Tractor Run featured nearly 50 tractors, which embarked on a lap around the famous NW200 course.
After the convoy, attendees enjoyed a fun-filled day with activities such as bouncy castles, face-painting, and performances by Isla’s gymnastics team and an Irish dancing school. Local motorcycle racing legend Michael Dunlop also made an appearance.
Ian Lamont of Roadside expressed his gratitude for the community’s overwhelming support: “The Gault family has shown incredible resilience, and we believe that by organising this event, we brought the community together and offered not only financial support but a sense of hope. It was a day of joy, unity, and compassion.”
The event drew around 500 attendees and raised over £6,000 on the day alone, with additional funds coming from online donations. “We couldn’t have asked for a better day,” Lamont added.
Isla’s mother, Hilary, was deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support. “We were absolutely amazed by the turnout and the effort that went into organising the event. Isla was beaming the entire day, surrounded by her friends, teachers, and teammates. We are so grateful to have raised so much for the charities that have supported us since Isla’s diagnosis,” she said.
In addition to the Family Fun Day, Roadside staff participated in the Macmillan Giant’s Causeway Hike, with some members completing a challenging 26-mile trek along the North Coast.
Click here for a video posted on the business’ Facebook page.