A charity tractor and truck run held on Saturday 1 August raised £40,207.21 for Air Ambulance NI. The event, John’s Tractor & Truck Run, was organised through Mourne Vintage Club in memory of a man known as John, who died earlier this year.

Almost 300 vehicles were officially registered, and several hundred more people attended during the day. Funds were collected through registration fees, raffle tickets, donations, a JustGiving page, and a street collection.

The Cousins/Killen family said Air Ambulance NI responded to an emergency involving John within 16 minutes. They hope the money raised will help the service assist other families.

Local businesses provided goods and services for the event. A1 Workwear supplied high-visibility vests, Stephen Cousins Flooring and Holly K Nails sponsored event T-shirts, and several food businesses donated burgers, baps, and kebabs. Friends anonymously donated a calf which was sold for £1,900 at Rathfriland sale.

The family thanked Mourne Vintage Club, all volunteers, and Air Ambulance NI staff for their support. They intend to make John’s Tractor & Truck Run an annual event to continue raising funds for Air Ambulance NI.