Twenty-four years ago the death of a dear friend inspired others to start a fundraiser for Laois Hospice.
Now they hope with the continued support of a generous public to hit the €1 million mark in terms of funds raised for the good cause.
It was the death of the Tommy Dowling from Emo which stirred Tommy Treacy and the late Mervyn Graham into action.
It made sense that the fundraiser for hospice would also merge their shared loved and interest in vintage motors and vehicles.
The Laois Vintage Ltd Hospice Run was born and it is a firm favourite with vintage enthusiasts from far and wide ever since.
It will take place again this year, as it marks its 24th anniversary and the hope is that they can hit the €1 million mark for Laois Hospice this year and next, appropriately for its silver jubilee.
Thanking all those who have helped out and supported the Laois Vintage Hospice Rally down the years, Tom Treacy outlined this week the success and challenges facing the event.
He was speaking in County Hall at the civic reception in his honour for his own contribution to the community.
“Over the years since Tommy Dowling died, we have raised €927,000 for Laois Hospice and the push is now to make one million,” explained Tommy.
He also revealed that the ban on bucket collections at roundabouts and traffic lights introduced last year in the interest of road safety had inadvertently proved very costly for the charity vintage run.
“Since the bucket collections were stopped our fundraising tally was down by €12,000, so it’s proved costly and makes it harder on us and it will be more difficult to reach our target.
“We will put a big push on but it might take more to one year to reach the million.”
The Laois Vintage Ltd. Hospice Run will take place this year on August 17.
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