Dale Farm’s Ballymena Tractor and Truck Run raises thousands for Cancer Focus NI

(L-R) Rosie Forsythe, Cancer Focus NI, Caroline Martin, Jennifer Toner, Gail McCullough, Colin Smyth, Laura Peacock and Lauren Shields - Dale Farm charity committee members.

A spectacular summer convoy of more than 170 tractors and trucks has raised an impressive £11,000 for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, thanks to the efforts of Dale Farm employees in Ballymena.

The annual Dale Farm Tractor and Truck Run, held on 4 July 2025, brought together farmers, families, and vehicle enthusiasts to support the charity’s cancer prevention, support, and research work across Northern Ireland.

Spectators lined the roads to cheer on the brightly decorated vehicles as they travelled in convoy from Ballymena Livestock Mart, before returning for an evening of entertainment. Attendees enjoyed Dale Farm ice cream, a raffle, and an auction, with prizes donated by local businesses and suppliers.

Sponsors for this year’s event included David Gordon & Sons Transport, Wilson McCurdy Jnr Haulage, Air Commercial Services, D&P Commercial Repairs, J.N.K Components Ltd., Gouldings NI Fertilisers, and WHN Tyres.

Community spirit in action

Over 170 vehicles took part, in support of Cancer Focus and its work across Northern Ireland.

Gail McCullough, Corporate Marketing Executive at Dale Farm, praised the overwhelming support:

“It was a fantastic evening at Ballymena Livestock Mart as our farmers, colleagues, and the wider community came together to raise money for such an important cause. The Tractor and Truck Run was a real team effort, we’re incredibly grateful to our charity committee and transport teams for organising and managing the event.

“We were blown away by the support, from the drivers and farmers who gave up their time, to the local businesses and community members who donated raffle prizes and sponsorship.

“Dale Farm has proudly supported Cancer Focus NI for over four years… The generosity shown will have a lasting impact, offering care, comfort, and hope to those who need it most.”

Helping local families facing cancer

(L-R) Rosie Forsythe, Cancer Focus NI (front) pictured with Dale Farm's, Fred Allen, Gail McCullough and Nick Whelan.

Rosie Forsythe, Corporate Fundraising Manager at Cancer Focus NI, said the money raised will directly benefit people in Northern Ireland:

“We are so grateful to our corporate partner Dale Farm and to everyone who turned out to support Cancer Focus NI… These funds will play a crucial role in delivering cancer support services to local people impacted by a cancer diagnosis, right here in Northern Ireland.

“Every day in Northern Ireland, another 37 people are told ‘You have cancer’… However, it does not have to be a lonely journey. We want to support local people on their cancer journey; we will work to reduce the risk, impact, and outcomes of all cancers and help as many people as we can.”

The charity encourages anyone concerned about cancer to visit cancerfocusni.org, call its free Nurse Line on 0800 783 3339 (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9am–1pm) or email nurseline@cancerfocusni.org.