A fundraising drive to help recoup money stolen from the organisers of the Killylea Tractor Run has smashed through its £1,200 target.
Thanks to the generosity and support of the community, and a couple of sizeable donations from local businesses, the group have taken in more than £1,500.
Sean Maguire of Orchard Brickwork Ltd and Paul Connolly of House Proud Furnishings donated £600 and £400 respectively.
And together with dozens of further donations, the group will now be able to present a healthy cheque to the Air Ambulance NI.
It comes after Armagh I reported how cruel thieves targeted the group.
They £3,600 raised was meant to go towards three separate charities: the Northern Ireland Air Ambulance; Children’s Heartbeat Trust; and the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.
However, a fake email account pertaining to be from the Air Ambulance requested a bank transfer “as they were in need of funds” was sent to the group.
The £1,200 – one third of the funds raised – was inadvertently sent to a bank account belonging to someone not associated to the fundraising committee, or indeed the charity itself.
Since the story went public Barry Doyle has offered to play a concert, which will still go ahead despite the target being reached, and J.W Racing will hold an auction at their own event in Loughgall tonight (Saturday).
Joanne Hale – a member of the organising committee – says the team have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support.
Now, that’s what community is all about!
