Patrick (Paddy) McAvoy from Drumgath, Rathfriland tragically died by suicide on June 25, 2015, and next weekend to mark ten years since his death, his family are holding an event in his memory.
A Charity Tractor Run has been organised for next Saturday July 5, leaving Drumgath GAA grounds at 3pm. The run is to celebrate Paddy’s life but also to raise much needed money for and awareness of, suicide prevention charity PIPS Hope and Support.
Son of Pat and Eva McAvoy, Paddy left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him and will be forever remembered as a great character and a pillar of the local farming community who was known for his humour, hard work, and love of the land.
The day promises to be a great family event with food and refreshments available at the GAA grounds, and some fantastic raffle prizes up for grabs.
All proceeds will go to PIPS Hope and Support, a vital local charity offering suicide prevention, support for those affected by suicide and self-harm, and community education.
Paddy’s sister Jenny O’Hagan explained why they were raising funds for PIPS: “PIPS in Newry have been a tremendous support to our family and many others walking the same painful road. This day is not only about remembering Paddy, but also about helping others through the lifesaving work PIPS continues to do.”
Jenny added: “It needs to be out there for people to know that they can get help before it goes too far. If we can get just one person to reach out to PIPS and say, look, I need to speak to someone – it will all be worth it”
Two very special tractors will be in pole position in the run on the day. The tractors are an important link to family and to Paddy for all.
The 1960’s Massey Ferguson 35X in the photograph was the original tractor driven by their father Pat McAvoy and Paddy would have often used it. The other identical one, also a 35X was restored by Jenny in memory of her father.
Starting and finishing at Drumgath playing fields the route will travel from the pitch via Lurgancahone Rd, Tamary Hill, Bog Rd, Cross Rd, Tamary Rd, Ballydoo Rd, Bavan Rd, Ballykeel Rd, Old Newry Rd and back to the pitch.
Registration for the Tractor Run is from 2pm on and tractors will leave at 3pm.
It will be a great fun day out. Please come along, spread the word, and donate if you can. Every donation, no matter how small, helps make a difference.
Brown boots, jeans, and checked shirts are warmly welcomed as his family celebrate Paddy’s memory in true farming spirit.
For those who can’t make it on the day but would still like to donate you can donate directly at www.justgiving.com.
To contact PIPS Hope and Support you can check out www.pipshopeandsupport.org or telephone them on 028 3026 6195.
