By Diarmaid Doherty
BIRTHDAY boy Peter Browne knew there might be cake and treats on his special day – what he didn’t expect was a vintage car.
But when his name was pulled from the hat in the Donegal Hospice’s charity car draw on Monday, the Manorcunningham man, who turned 78 on the day, was given another reason to celebrate.
The prize of a 1951 Ford Popular car couldn’t have gone to a better home.
Peter loves all things vintage and is the proud owner of some classic cars of his own including a 1939 Austin 16, a 1961 Rover P4 and a 1995 Mercedes.
He’s also a regular participant at vintage car shows and rallies and it was at one event that he met the man who donated the Ford Popular car to the hospice.
John Sheridan from Rathmullan passed away in the Donegal Hospice last September. The 81 year old classic car owner left his prized possession to the hospice as a thank you for the wonderful care and attention he received in his final days.
“It was a lovely gesture by John,” Peter said.
He also had a special mention for his neighbour Ann Harkin who had given him a ticket in the hospice draw as a Christmas present.
“The draw was made on Highland Radio and I got a phone call to say my name had come out,” he said.
“I couldn’t believe it – it was a brilliant surprise. Fair play to Ann, she got me the ticket as a Christmas present. We never dreamt that it would win.”
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