Farmers out in support of Andrew as he battles leukaemia

Farmers out in support of Andrew as he battles leukaemia

24 August 2016

A HUGE convoy of tractors, trucks and vintage cars made a spectacular site on the Castlereagh hills recently in support of a young Saintfield man with leukaemia.

Twenty three year-old Andrew Gill is currently undergoing chemotherapy after being diagnosed with the disease in June.

Well known in local farming circles, the champion ploughman inspired the road run, organised by Moneyreagh Young Farmers Club, to raise money for the Friends of the Cancer Centre. It is the Friends of the Cancer Centre volunteers who Andrew credits with helping hospital life feel a little more bearable.

Even though the road run clashed with a chemotherapy session, Andrew was able to make it out of hospital for a few hours and even take part en route in a new Massey Ferguson.

“It was just unbelievable,” said Andrew. “There were about 300 tractors joined in and 40 to 50 lorries and vintage cars. People were also watching the route and coming to the bottom of their lanes in Moneyreagh to see what it was all about.

“It was unreal to see the support. It gave me something to smile about.

“I wasn’t feeling so good that day but managed to get a few hours sleep before the tractor run started at 7pm.

“People were waving and shouting when they recognised me in the convoy.”

Andrew recently spoke of the shock of his diagnosis, rare for someone his age, after he went to the doctors feeling tired. Expecting a box of pills he was instead sent home with a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukaemia. He has experienced side effects such as tiredness and hair loss, and being confined to bed is also not something he is used to.

Andrew, a plasterer contractor who also helps out on the family farm, said the support from the farming community meant a lot to him and his family at this difficult time.

“I am sorry I didn’t get to speak to everyone on the night,” he said.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to all the club members who helped organise the event and made it all run so smoothly. Also thanks to everyone that helped support the event in every way.”

So far over £13,500 has been raised for the Friends of the Cancer Centre and money is still being donated.

Donations can still be made online at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/MoneyreaYFC-FriendsoftheCancerCentre-AndrewGill