Tractor drivers’ Wester Ross trundle helps haul in £2626 for Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland
HARDY fundraisers who braved the Bealach —in vintage tractors — for a cause close to their hearts smashed a modest target.
The head-turning procession warmed the hearts of NC500 visitors, a number of whom chipped in to the cause as the tractors made their way from Ullapool to Lochcarron and Gairloch and back again.
Fundraising organiser Clare Matheson said that around 20 vintage tractors made the annual 250-mile round trip.
She posted: “This year, we are raising important and much-needed funds for the Chest, Heart and Stroke charity. A charity very close to our hearts.
“Three of our boys, Murdo (my dad), Del Boy and Richard, have suffered from strokes recently, but are defying the odds by heading off on their beloved tractors, and raising cash for the charity that helped them when it was needed the most.”
The Applecross Inn posted an update from the epic hailing the hardy drivers, a number braving the cold in open station tractors, and urging people to give generously.
One couple who spontaneously did just that posted: “We’re doing the NC500 for our honeymoon and had so much fun driving past the guys today - hats off to each and every one smiling and waving and doing this for such a good cause!!”
Another wrote: “Loved seeing the tractors in Poolewe!”
The charity says: “We believe that no life should be half lived. 1 in 5 people in Scotland are struggling with a chest, heart or stroke condition. We won't live with that. Join us to support people to live life to the full.”
The fundraiser had set a modest target of £200. Clare later confirmed that an amazing total of £2626 was raised with much of that collected along the way.
She said: “We are absolutely delighted at how everyone supports them for this amazing charity doing something they love!”