Dairy farmer turned massage therapist Patrick Kelly from Castletown will attempt to set a world record in driving a tractor and trailer in reverse for 50km on the second day of the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska.
The extraordinary fundraising effort by Patrick – to raise over €150,000 for cancer support services at St James’ Hospital, Dublin, is in memory of his mother, Mai Kelly, who died from cancer six years ago.
St James’ Hospital treats over 4,000 cases of cancer every year.
The hospital, in alliance with Trinity College Dublin – Trinity St James’ Cancer Institute, is creating the country’s first comprehensive cancer centre already accredited by the Organisation of European Cancer Institutes (OECI) and is positioned to bring Ireland’s contribution in the fight against cancer to a new level.
All the proceeds of Patrick’s fundraiser will be used to purchase new equipment for the oncology department at St James’ Hospital.
“For the last two years I have driven forward in my late father’s tractor over 24 hours, dressed as Batman,” said Patrick who is a member of the Irish Massage Therapists’ Association.
“This year I will be going backwards to go forward for cancer care.
“The current record is 44.40km which was set in Modasa, India, on August 21, 2018.”
His trusty 1962 “old school” Massey Ferguson is well up to this year’s task, Patrick said.
“It is going to be a challenge, but it is going to be good. Last year I did 377km in 24 hours. There were more problems with myself rather than the tractor,” he laughed.
Patrick has raised just under €20,000 over the last five years , mainly through the donations of Laois people.
By attempting the record at the National Ploughing Championships, he is hoping to score national media coverage and attract donations from throughout the country.
The location for Patrick’s challenge is just by the main competition area for the World Ploughing Championships and catering area. Donations can be made online or in person at the National Ploughing Championships.
