North Meath vintage tractor run on Sunday

A convoy of vintage tractors will be hitting the roads of north Meath this Sunday in support of people experiencing mental health difficulties.

A wide range of classic farm vehicles are expected to take part in the North Meath Vintage Group tractor run which is being dedicated to raising awareness of mental health issues and raising funds for the mental health charity, Grow.

The cavalcade of vintage tractors will set off from Carlanstown at 12 noon on Sunday.  The North Meath Vintage Group will also be collecting donations for Grow at Supervalu in Kells on Saturday.

Grow is a nationwide voluntary network which helps people recovering from all forms of mental illness. The organisation holds weekly meetings where members are supported in making healthy changes in their thinking and behaviour. The concept is loosely based on the 12-step programme which forms the basis of the Alcoholics Anonymous concept and which Grow has adapted to support recovery from mental illness.

 Martin Cadden, Regional Manager for Grow in the North East, said the organisation is extremely grateful that the North Meath Vintage Group has selected Grow as the recipients of proceeds from its 2014 charity drive.

 “We are delighted and very much appreciate that the group has chosen us as their beneficiaries this year. It is an opportunity to raise much needed funds for the organisation and, most importantly, it will raise awareness of Grow in the area and let people know that we are here to help if they are experiencing mental health difficulties,” Mr Cadden said.

 “There is still considerable stigma around mental illness and this can often deter people from getting help. Events like this let them know that they are not alone and that there are supports there which can help,” he said.

“The monies generated by this weekend’s fundraising efforts will go directly towards supporting the six Grow groups which operate in the North East and will help to fund ongoing community education programmes around mental illness and recovery.”