Sydney Borland is marking his 70th birthday with a special and exciting event this Saturday.
The well-known Newtowncunningham man has organised a Tractor and Vintage Car Run to give back to the ‘Croí’ Heart & Stroke Charity which helped him and his family during an eventful year.
Last November, Sydney found himself in urgent need of triple bypass surgery in Galway University Hospital.
Croí provided Sydney and his family with wonderful support and guidance, as well as beautiful accommodation, at a very difficult time. Thankfully Sydney’s surgery was a success and he is back working as a building contractor part-time, attending his favourite vintage motor shows and spoiling his two grandsons.
Sydney and his family received help from Croí at no cost, so the motoring enthusiast has thought of a great way to say thank you on his 70th Birthday.
A tractor and car run has been arranged in association with the Donegal Vintage and Classic Car Club to help raise vital funding for Croí.
This is a fitting party theme for Sydney, who is the proud owner of a number of vintage cars and tractors – but his Ford Capri is his favourite!
The event takes place on October 27th from 9.30am with registration and breakfast and lunch provided in the All Saints Parish Hall in Newtowncunningham and spot prizes to be won after.
Lorry and trailer parking for those some distance away will be available at the premises of AJ Cleaning Equipment on the main street.
The event gets underway at 10:30am sharp for tractors and 11am for vintage cars.
People just need to turn up on the day from 9.30am – no pre registration is necessary.
Sydney’s daughter Kerry said: “Don’t worry if you don’t have a vehicle, you can still come along – your support would be very much appreciated. All very welcome!”
Kerry also heaped praise on the Croí charity, saying: “Being told you have to attend Galway for cardiac surgery is a very daunting prospect; should you or your family find yourself in this situation, please make contact with Croí – they will do everything they can to help, advise and support. As a family, we would have been lost without them, and for that, we will be eternally grateful.”
For more information about the run, visit the Facebook event here: www.facebook.com/events/294282807828624/
Find out more about Croí at croi.ie