A tractor run held in memory of Co. Tyrone farmer Alistair Sloss, who was killed in a slurry accident, has raised more than £7,000 for charity.
Alistair lost his life on the last day before the slurry ban in 2016.
His son Jonathan had been working on the farm when he saw his welly boots in the slurry tank and raised the alarm.
It’s not known what caused the accident; at 3:30pm Alistair (52) had been at a local garage buying machinery parts, but by 4:45pm Jonathan was phoning his mum to tell her about what he had seen.
Image source: Hannah Warwick
Tractor run
A year on, the local community came out to support Alistair’s wife Roberta Sloss and their five children, with 68 tractors taking part in a tractor run to mark the first anniversary of his death – a particularly difficult time for the family.
Setting off from the family farm in Druminar, the tractors passed through Coagh, Cookstown, Moneymore and The Loup.
The event – held on Saturday, October 21 – raised an impressive £7,343 for Christian relief and development agency Tearfund.
The money raised will go towards supporting medical, and water and sanitation projects run by Tearfund and their overseas partners in Uganda, Sierra Leone and Egypt.
After the tractor run there was food and entertainment at the family farm with music by country and western singer Neil Hobson, a bouncy castle for kids as well as a vintage tractor display.
The family also added their thanks to the businesses who generously donated items.
Alistair Sloss pictured with his wife Roberta and his two eldest daughters
‘A fitting tribute’
Roberta Sloss said: “It was a wonderful day and we were amazed by how many people came out to support us. We are thrilled with the money we have been able to raise in memory of Alistair, and know it will make a difference to those living in extreme poverty.
“The family would like to say a huge thanks to everyone who came on the day and especially those who brought their tractors.
“We also want to thank our sponsors and all who gave prizes and supported Tearfund generously with their donations.
We’re glad everyone enjoyed themselves and feel like the day was a fitting tribute to Alistair.
Jane Robertson from Tearfund said: “We would like to thank the Sloss family for their generous donation. The money raised will help us and our partners overseas provide access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation through projects in Uganda and Sierra Leone, as well as offering medical support to refugees in Egypt.
“Access to clean water, sanitation and medical assistance prevents disease and death but also offers dignity and a hope for the future to those living in poverty or fleeing conflict.”
