West Cork woman raises over €5,000 for local hospitals

Sandra Patterson completed a 220km solo tractor run in her vintage 1975 Ford 6600, raising money for two local hospitals and awareness for people living with dementia.

Crowd gathered at Tot's Pub for the presentation night of the money raised for Clonakilty Community Hospital and Dunmanway Community Hospital through Sandra Patterson's solo tractor run.

Sandra Patterson has raised €5,480 for Clonakilty Community Hospital and Dunmanway Community Hospital following a solo tractor run in her vintage 1975 Ford 6600.

The fundraiser was organised to honour the legacy of her father, John Patterson, while also raising awareness of dementia and giving back to two hospitals that have cared for her parents and other family members.

Following the cheque presentation night on September 19 at Tot’s Pub, Ms Patterson told the Irish Examiner she was “thrilled at the figure” and was delighted she was able to raise the money as just a “one-woman show.” 

Ms Patterson thanked everyone who contributed to the fundraiser, including Kingsbridge Private Hospital, which donated €2,000 with the assistance of Cork South West TD Michael Collins, and Ahiohill Vintage Club, which donated €1,000.

Sandra Patterson with her father John Patterson at the presentation night for the money raised as part of the 220km John Patterson Legacy tractor run.

Ms Patterson’s route took her from Ballinacarriga Castle to Castletownbere via the Mealagh Valley, a 220km round trip which she was able to complete in "five and a half hours each way of actual physical driving," in her 51-year-old tractor.

The route was carefully chosen to recreate the longest journeys made by her father, John Patterson, who regularly drove the same tractor over the Mealagh Valley for decades while hauling grain and beet.

Originally planned to be a low-key affair, a crowd gathered to wave Ms Patterson off at Ballinacarriga Castle. Despite concerns about the weather and the machine's age, the tractor completed the journey without mechanical issues.

Talking about the presentation night, Ms Patterson revealed her father was able to leave hospital to attend the event.

Dad actually came out for the presentation… It was emotional, very much so, having Dad there.

Ms Patterson added that the attention surrounding the tractor run was a special thing to share with her father.

"For him to read about his own legacy, it's a huge thing," she told the Irish Examiner.

Following the tractor run, Ms Patterson admitted she’s become something of a local celebrity with people recognising her in town as “the woman who drives the tractor.” 

"I can't go downtown now for milk... It takes two hours," she joked.

With this growing recognition, Ms Patterson hopes to help raise money for more charities and advocate for the communities she is a part of.

She said:

I don't have much. I'm a single parent... so my way of helping others is to use what I have, which is my love for vintage and machinery and my tractor to raise money for charities. 

She added that “my achievements aren’t for me; they’re for other people.” 

With that in mind, Ms Patterson has her sights set on her next adventure, the Malin-to-Mizen route in the same Ford 6600 next summer. Completing that, she has been invited to travel and showcase her Ford at the Ahiohill Vintage Harvest Day.

Ahead of the challenge, Ms Patterson is seeking volunteers to join a support team for the solo tractor run. Anyone interested can contact her through Facebook or social media channels.