Dale Farm has raised nearly £10,000 for its charity partner, Cancer Focus NI, following a tractor and truck run at the Ballymena Livestock Market.

Dale Farm employees, farmers and members of the local community arrived in tractors, trucks and vans, with over 160 vehicles taking part in the tractor run.

Group HR director at Dale Farm, Karen Gaw, said: “It was a great evening in Ballymena as local farmers, Dale Farm colleagues and the wider community came together to raise money for such an important cause.

“The tractor run was a real team effort and we’re grateful for the efforts of our charity committee and transport teams for organising and managing the logistics of the event.

“We also extend a huge thank you for the generosity of local businesses and members of the community who sponsored and donated raffle prizes, the sense of community spirit was truly inspiring.”

Gaw said Dale Farm has been supporting Cancer Focus NI for four years, and the charity plays a “crucial role” in supporting families and raising awareness across Northern Ireland.

“We are delighted with the success of this fundraiser, and we look forward to building on this event in the future.”

The tractor and truck run was supported by local businesses including Ashgrove Engineering and WH Nutt and Sons LTD.

There was a raffle and auction with prizes sponsored by suppliers and local businesses.

Cancer Focus NI

Corporate fundraising manager for Cancer Focus NI, Rosie Forsythe, said the charity is “so thankful” to everyone who turned out to support it at the tractor and truck run at Ballymena Market.

Forsythe said it is “incredible” that nearly £10,000 has been raised from this event alone.

“The unwavering dedication and generosity of Dale Farm’s staff, farmers, local businesses and families has been heartwarming,” she said.

“The shocking reality is that one in two people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime in Northern Ireland, and the money raised will go a long way in supporting local people in Northern Ireland who are dealing with the devastating reality of a cancer diagnosis.”